Date(s) June 27, 2001 Network(s) (US) TNT | Time 7:30 pm (EDT) | |
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Location Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York First selection Kwame Brown, Washington Wizards | ||
The 2001 NBA draft took place on June 27, 2001 in New York City, New York. Kwame Brown became the first high school player to be drafted with the first overall pick in the history of the NBA. The selection of Brown 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 from this draft, 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. This was also the final draft participated by the Charlotte Hornets until 2014; the then-current team moved to New Orleans the following year as the future Pelicans, while an expansion Charlotte team (formerly the Bobcats) was later formed in 2004.
Minnesota Timberwolves forfeited their first-round pick due to salary cap violations. It would be the first of two first rounders that would have to forfeit their picks during the early 2000s.
Notable undrafted players
These players were not selected in the draft but have played at least one game in the NBA.