NBA 2011 Draft: A Year of Excitement and Surprises

The 2011 NBA draft was one of the most anticipated and unpredictable in recent memory. Held on June 23rd at the Prudential Center in Newark, New jersey.html">Jersey, the event saw a talented crop of prospects take the stage to fulfill their dreams.html">dreams of becoming professional basketbal.html">basketball.html">basketball players.html">players.

kyrie.html">Kyrie irving.html">Irving, widely regarded as the top prospect in the draft, was selected by the Cleveland Cavaliers with the first overall pick. The 18-year-old point guard from St. Mary''s College had been touted as a potential franchise player, and his arrival in Cleveland marked a new era for the struggling team.

Boston celtics.html">Celtics fans, on the other hand, were overjoyed to see Brandon Knight, a combo guard from Kentucky, join their squad with the 9th overall pick. The young playmaker was expected to bring a much-needed scoring punch and ball-handling prowess to the Celtics'' backcourt.

Jimmer Fredette, the College Basketball Player of the Year in 2011, was another highly touted prospect who entered the draft. Despite concerns about his ability to translate his collegiate success to the NBA level, the sacramento.html">Sacramento Kings took a chance on the 22-year-old shooting guard with the 7th overall pick.

Derrick Williams, a dominant power forward from Arizona, rounded out the top 5 picks, going to the Minnesota Timberwolves at #2. The athletic big man was expected to provide an immediate impact off the bench and in the paint for the rebuilding Timberwolves.

The 2011 NBA draft will always be remembered as a year of surprises, with many unexpected twists and turns throughout the first round. From Irving''s surprise selection by the Cavaliers to Knight''s unexpected slide down the board, this draft had it all – excitement, drama, and plenty of potential for future stars.