Back in 2001, the NBA Draft class was one of the best ever. The first overall pick was a sure-fire superstar (Eddie Jones), the second pick was a budding NBA superstar (Kobe Bryant) and the last pick was a legitimate franchise player (Kwame Brown). Yet, Kwame Brown is now a former NBA player that is currently living in France. How did this happen?
We have already seen the 2001 NBA Draft, but not really. We have seen it in retrospect, where we can look back at what transpired and measure it against our perception of what should have occurred. But we have not really seen the 2001 NBA Draft. As we assemble a list of the players selected that year, we realize that this year, the players drafted would hold less value than they do now. The player who was supposed to be a star, but instead became a mediocre role player while playing for the worst franchise team in the NBA, has a much lower value now than he did ten years after being selected. The player who was supposed to be a bust, but became a valuable starter for the best franchise team in the NBA is now a
In the 2001 NBA Draft, the Washington Wizards selected Kwame Brown with the second pick. Brown has a lot of critics, from the fans to his GM to his critics in the media. Why did the Wizards select him? Why are there so many people who believe he was a huge mistake?. Read more about nba 2001 draft picks and let us know what you think.
The 2001 draft is one of the most talked about in NBA history. This draft had several future All-Stars in the same class, as well as the biggest flop in NBA history, Kwame Brown. Of course, Brown has made headlines lately by responding to critics who have discredited his career. It seems Brown is tired of picking on the slander.
But if we look at the 2001 NBA draft, it is clear which players will be in the top 5, and unfortunately it is true that Kwame Brown will lose a few spots before he is selected.
This is what the replay of the 2001 NBA Draft looks like.
1. Washington Wizards
Original choice: Kwame Brown
Re-election: Tony Parker
It’s crazy to think that Kwame Brown was selected for Tony Parker. The big men were much more popular in those days than the small guards who were not from America. Still, the Wizards would be much better off with a future 6-time All-Star, 4-time NBA champion and Finals MVP.
Parker has benefited greatly from playing in a solid San Antonio Spurs system under Gregg Popovich and Tim Duncan, but the Frenchman is one of the best playmakers in NBA history and could become a franchise player for the Wizards.
2. Los Angeles Clippers
Original choice: Tyson Chandler.
Re-election: Pau Gasol
The Blazers missed out on Pau Gasol because Tyson Chandler was too big and too athletic to pass up. That’s what it looked like when the Clippers traded him to the Chicago Bulls. If they choose Pau Gasol, the Spanish star will be their present and future.
Gasol was named to six All-Star teams, became Rookie of the Year and played a key role on a Lakers team that won the NBA title twice. The Clippers have languished in mediocrity for years, but Gasol would solve that problem immediately.
3. Atlanta Hawks
Original choice: Joe Johnson
Re-election: Joe Johnson
The Atlanta Hawks would certainly get their star in Joe Johnson. Joe Johnson had his best years with the Hawks, becoming one of the best scorers in NBA history and making 7 All-Star teams (6 with Atlanta). Johnson was picked 10th overall by the Boston Celtics and traded to the Phoenix Suns later in the year.
Johnson is one of the best scorers in Hawks history, and the franchise would do well to select him at No. 3 and make him the player they build their careers around. Eventually, Johnson was so good that he made the third All-NBA team in 2010.
4. Chicago Bulls
Original choice: Eddie Curry
Re-election: Zach Randolph
The Chicago Bulls have ruined this game. Instead of drafting Zach Randolph as a grit n’ grind star, they took a gamble on a player who would later have the biggest weight problems in basketball history. Randolph made the All-Star team twice and averaged over 20 points per game in 7 seasons, while Curry didn’t last long in the league.
Many teams were interested in Curry because he looked bigger than Randolph and because he promised to play on the perimeter. But Randolph was clearly more experienced, could dominate his opponent at times, and would become a building block for the Chicago Bulls.
5. Golden State Warriors
Original choice: Jason Richardson.
Re-election: Gilbert Arenas
The Golden State Warriors made a good move with the acquisition of Jason Richardson, but they would have done better if they had selected superstar point guard Gilbert Arenas. Arenas’ problems are well known, and it’s unfortunate that he has lacked seriousness in his career, but the playmaker was sensational in the prime of his career.
Arenas has made 3 All-Star teams and 3 NBA All-Star teams in his career, and his no-huddle three-point shooting has stunned Warriors Stadium every time. Richardson was a big part of the We Believe Warriors, but Arenas would have taken the team to the next level.
6. Memphis Grizzlies
Original choice: Shane Battier.
Re-election: Jason Richardson
The Memphis Grizzlies should have taken Jason Richardson with the #6 pick in the draft. For years, the Grizzlies struggled to find a perimeter shooter and a guard, and Richardson was the top pick in the draft at the time.
Richardson is one of the most explosive athletes in NBA history and has a successful NBA career that includes two wins in the dunk contest in 2002 and 2003. Memphis could use Richardson’s offensive prowess well, especially since they will eventually get Pau Gasol anyway.
7. New Jersey Nets
Original choice: Eddie Griffin.
Re-election: Tyson Chandler
The Nets had a lot of success in the 2000s with the brilliant play of Jason Kidd (who transferred from Phoenix a year later), but they could use Chandler’s size and defensive skills in the paint well in the playoffs. Chandler was named Defensive Player of the Year, and his impact on the 2011 Dallas Mavericks team was invaluable.
Chandler would be the driving force of the team defensively, and Kidd’s throws would be difficult for opponents to handle. With Chandler and Kidd, the Nets would have had a better chance against the Lakers with Shaq and Kobe in 2002.
8. Cleveland Cavaliers
Original choice: DeSagan Diop
Re-election: Richard Jefferson
As we approach the end of the first ten picks in the first round, the Cavaliers should have picked Richard Jefferson. Jefferson won an NBA title with the Cavaliers in 2016 as a 35-year-old role player, but he was a much better player in his prime. Jefferson was an important part of the Nets in the early 2000s, as his scoring ability and size on the perimeter were valuable parts of his game. He would certainly be a building block for the Cavaliers, who would have a good duo with Richardson and LeBron James.
9. Detroit Pistons
Original choice: Rodney White.
Re-election: Shane Battier
The Pistons finally got Rodney White, a role player who played just four seasons and averaged 7.1 PPG. Instead, Detroit would have been better off picking Shane Battier, the best defender on the squad. Battier wasn’t a star, but he made two defensive teams and a rookie team in his career and averaged 14.4 PPG in his first season in the league.
10. Boston Celtics
Original choice: Joe Johnson
Re-election: Gerald Wallace
The Celtics would have drafted Gerald Wallace and held onto him long term if he had been drafted. In fact, Boston picked up Johnson and traded him in the middle of his first season. Wallace made the All-Star team, was the top defender in 2010 and became a star on the Charlotte Hornets team. Boston could have used Wallace’s size and defensive prowess, but Joe Johnson would have been better if they had kept him.
11. Boston Celtics
Original choice: Cedric Brown.
Re-election: Samuel Dalembert
The Celtics would continue their defensive alignment by picking a defender out of the paint in Samuel Dalembert. The big man will average 7.8 RPG and 1.7 PSU in his career, and his match-up with Gerald Wallace will bolster the team’s defense both on the perimeter and in the paint.
12. Seattle Supersonics
Original choice: Vladimir Radmanovich
Re-election: Mehmet Okur
The Supersonics decided that Radmanovic, a 6’10 forward from Bosnia, was a perfect fit to replace center Okur, who was not known for his defensive skills. But it was a bad decision, as Okur was a star with the Utah Jazz, hitting 37.5 percent of his three-point shots in his career.
13. Houston Rockets
Original choice: Richard Jefferson
Re-election: Troy Murphy
Under 13th. the Rockets should have picked Troy Murphy. Richard Jefferson would be a good deal for Houston if they kept him, as he would become a dominant scorer for the Nets. Troy Murphy, meanwhile, is a solid pick at 13, as he was a 6’11 center who averaged 10.8 PPG and 7.8 RPG during his career.
14. Golden State Warriors
Original choice: Troy Murphy.
Re-election: Jamal Tinsley
The Warriors ultimately chose Troy Murphy, who spent his first six seasons in the league with the franchise. His best season was 2005, averaging 15.4 PPG and 10.8 RPG. In the draft, the Warriors would select Jamal Tinsley, a backup point guard who is good with the ball.
15. Orlando Magic
Original choice: Stephen Hunter
Re-election: Brendan Heywood
The Magic selected reserve center Stephen Hunter at No. 15, but they would have been better off picking Brendan Haywood. Haywood has long been a reserve, but his impact with the Dallas Mavericks in 2011 cannot be overlooked. Haywood was a huge 7’0 center, 268 pounds, and his raw size came in handy when competing.
16. Charlotte Hornets
Original choice: Kirk Huston.
Re-election: Bobby Simmons
At No. 16, the Hornets selected Kirk Huston, a forward who has only played 27 games in his NBA career. Obviously not the right choice, but Bobby Simmons would have been a good choice, as he averaged 9.0 PPG in his career and won the Most Improved Player award in 2005.
17. Toronto Raptors
Original choice: Michael Bradley
Re-election: Vladimir Radmanovich
The Raptors chose Michael Bradley, a big man who has played 173 games in his career, but has started only 13 of them. Bradley has played just 11.7 MPG in his career, and the Raptors would prefer Radmanovich over him. Radmanovich averaged 8.0 PPG during his career and is best known for playing for Kobe Bryant with the Lakers.
18. Houston Rockets
Original choice: Jason Collins.
Re-election: Earl Watson
Jason Collins was selected by the Rockets even though he had never played a game for Houston. Instead, he spent 8 seasons with the Nets (Brooklyn and New Jersey) and had a long career that lasted 13 seasons.
19. Portland Trail Blazers
Original choice: Zach Randolph.
Re-election: Eddie Curry
Randolph could never have been outside the top five, and Portland was lucky to have an All-Star forward who could score and grab rebounds. Instead, the Trail Blazers will take Eddie Curry, who is known for his weight issues and has yet to reach his potential. Still, Curry is a solid player when he’s on the field, averaging 12.9 PPG and 5.2 RPG.
20. Cleveland Cavaliers
Original choice: Brendan Heywood.
Re-election: Kwame Brown
The Cavaliers would have chosen Kwame Brown if the draft had taken place. Kwame is perhaps the most despised player in NBA history because he never reached his potential. Brown obviously shouldn’t have been the first pick, but he would have been a good choice at 20.
21. Boston Celtics
Original choice: Joseph Forte
Re-election: Stephen Hunter
It would be much better for the Boston Celtics if Hunter was better than Forte. Forte played 2 seasons, averaging 1.2 PPG, and never started a game. Instead, Hunter would be selected as a 7’0 center who could support the starting big man with his raw size.
22. Orlando Magic
Original choice: Jeryl Sasser.
Re-election: Trenton Hassell
Trenton Hassell is a much better choice for the Magic than Jeryl Sasser. Sasser played just 2 seasons for the Magic before leaving the league, while Hassell played 9 seasons as a role player. Hassell averaged 5.8 PPG and had a nice mid-range jump shot when he could get to the rim.
23. Houston Rockets
Original choice: Brandon Armstrong
Re-election: Jason Collins
Armstrong never played for the Rockets, but did play for the New Jersey Nets and reached a 2.2 PPG average in his career. In his place would have been chosen Jason Collins, a big man known more for his influence off the field than on it. Collins was 5-foot-8, though, and his height allowed him to have a long career.
24. Utah Jazz
Original choice: Raul Lopez
Re-election: Jarron Collins
The Utah Jazz selected Raul Lopez, a 6’1 Spanish point guard who has only been in the league for 2 seasons. The Jazz doping center Jarron Collins (brother of Jason Collins), who played 10 seasons in the league and spent most of his career with the Utah Jazz.
25. Sacramento Kings
Original choice: Gerald Wallace
Re-election: Brian Scalabrine
The Kings ended up getting a solid player who was with the team for 3 seasons, but they would have picked White Mamba in the draft. Scalabrine is best known for his attention on social media as a meme player, but he is an NBA champion with the Celtics in 2008 and is known as a great locker room guy.
26. Philadelphia 76ers
Original choice: Samuel Dalembert
Re-election: DeSagan Diop
The 76ers made an excellent pick by selecting Dalembert at the end of the first round of the draft. Dalembert was a solid defensive center who should have been selected much higher, but if the draft had taken place, DeSagan Diop would have been selected. Diop sat on the bench for 12 seasons in the league, averaging 2.0 PPG and 3.7 RPG.
27. Memphis Grizzlies
Original choice: Jamaal Tinsley
Re-election: Eddie Griffin
The Grizzlies selected Jamal Tinsley at No. 27, despite him spending his first 7 seasons with the Indiana Pacers. Tinsley was a solid backup point guard, averaging 8.5 PPG and 6.1 APG in his career, mostly as a point guard who could score occasionally. Eventually, the Grizzlies got Eddie Griffin, the man selected at No. 1. 7.
28. San Antonio Spurs
Original choice: Tony Parker
Re-election: Rodney White
The San Antonio Spurs made the luckiest choice by taking Tony Parker at number 28. Who would have thought that Parker would become the Finals MVP and form the core of the Spurs dynasty along with Tim Duncan and Gregg Popovich. Had the new selection taken place, the Spurs would not have had their point guard and their path to success might have been different.In 2001, the NBA drafted Kwame Brown 2nd overall. The 33rd pick in the draft, Brown was traded to the Washington Wizards for Sam Bowie and the draft rights to Vin Baker. Many people still criticize Kwame Brown, but he has proven to be a solid contributor to the Wizards. I re-drafted the 2001 NBA Draft using only the first round picks, and I believe that the new 2003 NBA Draft will be quite different. Find out who is selected first in the new draft.. Read more about who was the first pick in the 2000 nba draft and let us know what you think.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was drafted in the NBA in 2001?
The 2001 NBA Draft was a landmark moment in NBA history. It was the first year in which the NBA completely broke down the racial barrier, as the league for the first time had both a white and a black player selected in the same draft. The Cleveland Cavaliers and the Los Angeles Lakers both held the first pick, and there was a race to see which team would select the best player. Would the Lakers select Kobe Bryant or LeBron James, or would the Cavs finally select Yao Ming? The 2001 NBA Draft was one of the most anticipated in recent memory. The league hosted a record-breaking number of selections, and the year’s biggest stars from high school and college were in prime position to be picked. After the jump, we will take a look at who was drafted, and how it panned out for each player.
Who was in the NBA draft with Kwame Brown?
The 2001 NBA draft was quite a spectacle, with the No. 1 pick being at stake. The No. 1 overall pick was Kwame Brown, an NBA center who played for the University of Connecticut. He was 6-foot-11 and weighed over 260 pounds, making him the largest player in the draft. He played 56 games in his rookie season and averaged 11.5 points and 7.7 rebounds per game. The 2001 NBA Draft consisted of only two rounds. Kwame Brown’s name was called the first time around, but the last time he thought he was going to be selected, he was about to enter high school. This time around, he was one of the top prospects in the draft, and that’s why he was chosen.
What draft pick was Kwame Brown?
This year marks the 15th anniversary of the 2001 NBA draft, and if you ask us, the players selected seemed like a bad idea at the time. Sure, this one can be a bit controversial, but draft picks are only a few years old, and a lot has happened in the NBA in the last 8 years, both on and off the court. So, while some may disagree, I think it is a fair thing to re-draft this draft and see what would have happened had Kwame Brown been selected instead of LeBron James, Carmelo Anthony, Chris Bosh, and Dwyane Wade. I’ll be basing my hypothetical selections on a variety of factors, including the draft itself.
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