Sat, 02 May 2026 11:45:10 +0000

2001 NBA Draft Revelations: The Shocking Choices That Impacted Generations The 2001 NBA Draft is remembered not just for star power but for bold, unforgettable selections that reshaped franchises and altered the trajectory of professional basketball. While names like Kobe Bryant and LeBron James dominate discussions of that class, the 2001 draft also delivered shocking, game-changing decisions—choices that stunned fans, analysts, and teams alike and left indelible marks on NBA history. ### The Draft Landscape: High Stakes and Unpredictable Outcomes In 2001, the NBA Draft was shaped by a mix of emerging talents and unexpected picks—simply draft picks that defied conventional wisdom. While emerging G League prospects and late-round talents captured attention, two selections stood out as particularly controversial and transformative: the San Antonio Spurs choosing center Tyson Chandler and the Cleveland Cavaliers picking guard John David Washington—wait, no, actually, not that one. Instead, the real shock came from how teams fell short on future Hall of Famers—while sealing moves that would reach superstar status years later.