The 2011 NBA Draft was a pivotal moment for many young talents, with expectations soaring as they embarked on their professional basketball careers. The draft produced a mix of stars, role players, and players whose careers took unexpected turns. One notable draft pick in this draft was the relatively unknown Jimmy Butler from Marquette.
Nobody expected Jimmy Butler to excel and become the superstar he is today despite being picked last in the first round in the 2011 NBA Draft.
Here are the 29 players drafted before Jimmy Butler and where are they now?
29. Cory Joseph – San Antonio Spurs
Joseph contributed to the Spurs’ success before playing for several other NBA teams later in his career. He won an NBA title with San Antonio in 2014 as their backup point guard.
Where is he today?
The Toronto native recently is currently a free agent after being waived by the Pacers in 2024.
28. Norris Cole – Chicago Bulls (Traded to Miami Heat)
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We can’t make this stuff up, Norris ole was drafted before Jimmy Butler. Cole became a key contributor for the Heat during their championship runs alongside LeBron, Wade, and Bosh before taking his act overseas.
Where is he today?
Cole has played in Asia and Europe for the majority of his career. He now plays in the G-League.
27. JaJuan Johnson – New Jersey/Brooklyn Nets (Traded to Boston Celtics)
Johnson’s NBA career was short-lived, and he ventured into international basketball after a couple of years in the G-League.
Where is he now?
He is now playing in Israel.
26. Jordan Hamilton – Dallas Mavericks (Traded to Denver Nuggets)
Hamilton was a constant DNP in his NBA career before transitioning to playing in the G-League and overseas.
Where is he today?
After stints in South America and Europe, Hamilton now plays in Japan.
25. MarShon Brooks – Boston Celtics (Traded to New Jersey/Brooklyn Nets)
After a promising rookie year with the Nets, Brooks’ play inexplicably regressed subsequently. He then embarked on a career overseas, mainly in Asia.
Where is he today?
Brooks has found success playing in China since 2015. He’s a solid contributor to the Guangdong Southern Tigers.
24. Reggie Jackson – Oklahoma City Thunder
Yes, Reggie was drafted before Jimmy Butler. Jackson developed into a reliable point guard in the league, contributing to the success of the Thunder and later sought for a bigger role with Detroit and the Clippers.
Where is he today?
Jackson won a championship with the Nuggets last season and still plays backup PG for them.
23. Nikola Mirotic – Houston Rockets (Traded to Minnesota Timberwolves, Then to Chicago Bulls)
Mirotic spent a few more years in Europe before finally coming to the NBA in 2014. He became a valuable stretch forward and was known for his three-point shooting.
Where is he today?
Realizing the NBA life wasn’t meant for him, he returned to Europe in 2019. He now plays in Italy.
22. Kenneth Faried – Denver Nuggets
Faried earned the nickname “Manimal” for his high-energy style of play. However, he failed to develop a proper offensive repertoire in his game, which resulted in his premature exit from the league in 2019.
Where is he today?
Faried eventually took his act overseas for a few years but now plays in the G-League.
21. Nolan Smith – Portland Trail Blazers
Smith’s NBA career only lasted for a couple of years. He embarked on an international career before retiring for good in 2015.
Where is he today?
He now works as an assistant coach for the Louisville Cardinals.
20. Donatas Motiejunas – Minnesota Timberwolves (Traded to Houston Rockets)
Motiejunas had a brief NBA career before heading back to Europe.
Where is he today?
The Lithuanian big man has played for AS Monaco in France since 2021.
19. Tobias Harris – Charlotte Bobcats/Hornets (Traded to Milwaukee Bucks)
Harris developed into a versatile forward, known for his scoring and rebounding. He remains a good 3rd scoring option for all the teams he’s played with in his NBA career.
Where is he today?
Harris has found a steady home in Philadelphia since 2019.
18. Chris Singleton – Washington Wizards
Singleton’s time in the NBA was relatively short-lived, and he went overseas in 2014.
Where is he today?
His last stint was in Qatar.
17. Iman Shumpert – New York Knicks
No joke, Iman was drafted before Jimmy Butler. Shumpert enjoyed a fairly productive NBA career. He is known for his efforts on the defensive side of the court.
Where is he today?
His last stint in the league was in 2021. Shumpert won Season 30 of Dancing with the Stars a couple of years ago.
16. Nikola Vucevic – Philadelphia 76ers
The Montenegrin big man has become one of the league’s most skilled and consistent centers, making a couple of All-Star appearances in his career.
Where is he today?
He’s been a steady player for Chicago since 2021.
15. Kawhi Leonard – Indiana Pacers (Traded to San Antonio Spurs)
Leonard played a pivotal role in the Spurs’ championship victory in 2014 and later won an NBA title with the Toronto Raptors in 2019. He won the Finals MVP on both occasions.
Where is he today?
Leonard has been with the Clippers since 2019.
14. Marcus Morris Sr. – Houston Rockets
Marcus is the twin brother of Markieff. He’s had a journeyman career, contributing as a versatile forward for several teams in the league.
Where is he today?
Marcus is now playing for the Cavaliers.
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13. Markieff Morris – Phoenix Suns
Known for his toughness and versatility, Morris had stints with multiple teams, including the Washington Wizards and Los Angeles Lakers. He’s the identical twin of Markieff.
Where is he today?
Morris is currently playing for Dallas.
12. Alec Burks – Utah Jazz
Burks showcased his scoring ability during his time in Utah and has continued to be a valuable role player for different teams.
Where is he today?
He plays for the Knicks today.
11. Klay Thompson – Golden State Warriors
Thompson became a cornerstone of the team’s dynasty alongside Stephen Curry. His three-point shooting made him a vital component of Golden State’s success.
Where is he today?
Klay is looking to add a possible fifth title under his resume with the Warriors.
10. Jimmer Fredette – Milwaukee Bucks (Traded to Sacramento Kings)
Jimmer Fredette was drafted before Jimmy Butler… Some things in life just don’t’t make sense. Despite being a college sensation, Fredette struggled to find a consistent role in the NBA and eventually brought his talents to China.
Where is he today?
He is now part of the USA’s 3×3 National Team.
9. Kemba Walker – Charlotte Bobcats/Hornets
Walker became the franchise’s all-time leading scorer and a beloved figure in Charlotte. He later joined the Boston Celtics later in his career.
Where is he today?
After NBA opportunities dried up, Walker signed up with AS Monaco in France.
8. Brandon Knight – Detroit Pistons
Knight showcased his scoring and playmaking skills early in his NBA career. However, after suffering a knee injury, his play regressed which hindered his progress as a player.
Where is he today?
Knight is now playing in Greece.
7. Bismack Biyombo – Charlotte Bobcats/Hornets
Known for his shot-blocking abilities, Biyombo has played for several teams in his career and has become a solid veteran presence in locker rooms.
Where is he today?
The Congolese big man is with OKC.
6. Jan Vesely – Washington Wizards
The only highlight in Vesely’s NBA career was a kiss to his girlfriend on live television the night he was drafted. After stumbling in the NBA, he went back to play in Europe.
Where is he today?
Vesely is now playing for FC Barcelona.
5. Jonas Valanciunas – Toronto Raptors
Valanciunas’ rugged interior play and rebounding made him a valuable asset in Toronto for seven years before being traded to the Grizzlies in 2019.
Where is he today?
He has been with the Pelicans since 2021.
4. Tristan Thompson – Cleveland Cavaliers
Thompson was a crucial part of the Cavaliers’ championship run in 2016. He is more known for his relationship with Khloe Kardashian than his time on the court.
Where is he today?
After bouncing around the league, Thompson recently signed a one-year contract with Cleveland.
3. Enes Kanter – Utah Jazz
Kanter never really blossomed into the star big man everybody hoped he’d become. He has played for several teams, including OKC, New York, Portland and Boston.
Where is he today?
Kanter legally changed his name to Enes Kanter Freedom in 2021. He last played in the NBA in 2022.
2. Derrick Williams – Minnesota Timberwolves
While Williams showed flashes of potential, he struggled to find a stable role in the NBA, bouncing between multiple teams over the years before going overseas.
Where is he today?
He is currently a free agent after playing for Panathinaikos in Greece in 2023.
1. Kyrie Irving – Cleveland Cavaliers
Irving was named the Rookie of the Year honors in 2012. Irving also won a title with Cleveland in 2016. He is one of the best players in the league since he was drafted in 2011.
Where is he today?
Irving has since played for Boston, and Brooklyn and is currently with Dallas.
