The 2001 NBA Draft took place on June 27, 2001 in New York City, New York. Kwame Brown became the first high school player drafted with the first overall pick. Brown's selection by the Washington Wizards over players that have gone on to have more successful NBA careers has been a source of great criticism, with Brown having been widely labeled one of the worst draft busts in NBA history. Several international players, Pau Gasol (Spain), Tony Parker (France) and Mehmet Okur (Turkey) became NBA All-Stars. This was the last draft the Vancouver Grizzlies participated in while in their original city; their move to Memphis was finalized several weeks later.
Minnesota Timberwolves forfeited their first-round pick due to salary cap violations.
Famous quotes containing the word draft:
“If violence is wrong in America, violence is wrong abroad. If it is wrong to be violent defending black women and black children and black babies and black men, then it is wrong for America to draft us, and make us violent abroad in defense of her. And if it is right for America to draft us, and teach us how to be violent in defense of her, then it is right for you and me to do whatever is necessary to defend our own people right here in this country.”
—Malcolm X (1925–1965)