https://www.aevening.com/kyrie-irving-the-artistry-and-legacy-of-an-nba-icon/
In NBA draft history, the 2011 class wasn’t particularly renowned. Before the draft, it was widely considered a “weak” class with mediocre talent. However, looking back thirteen years later, this class produced several era-defining stars: Kyrie Irving, Klay Thompson, and Kawhi Leonard.
The three players have very different styles and their career trajectories are completely different. To choose the ” best player in eleven NBA drafts ” among them, a comprehensive comparison is needed from four dimensions: statistical performance, on-court influence, team honors, and individual status .
Kyrie Irving: An artist of talent and skill
As the number one overall pick in this year’s draft, Kyrie Irving has been in the spotlight since entering the league. His ball-handling, crossover, and finishing abilities are among the best in NBA history. His playing style is fluid and his rhythm is refined, and his individual offensive skills are almost impeccable.
Career stats to date:
Averages: 23.6 points / 4 rebounds / 5.7 assists
Field goal percentage: 47%
Three-point shooting percentage: 39%
Major honors:
8× All-Star
1× NBA Championship (Cavaliers)
2× Best Third Team
1× Best Second Team
Kyrie Irving’s peak performance lasted a long time, and his individual offensive ability is undeniable, but his core problem lies in:
His career lacked true proof of being a team leader.
His defense and other “hard skills” that influence victory are inferior to Leonard’s.
The fact that he has never been selected to the All-NBA First Team indicates that the league has a consensus on the upper limit of his status.
Klay Thompson: The Dynasty Shooter and the Perfect Wing Blueprint
Klay Thompson is a quintessential “off-ball offense master.” He doesn’t need to hold the ball for extended periods to change the game with his movement and shooting touch. He was not only one of the absolute core members of the Warriors’ four-time championship dynasty but also a prime example of the greatest 3-and-D player in NBA history .
Career stats to date:
Averages: 19.6 points / 3.5 rebounds / 2.3 assists
Field goal percentage: 45%
Three-point shooting percentage: 41%
Major honors:
4× NBA Championship
5× All-Star
2× Best Third Team
1× All-Defensive Second Team
If we only consider “helping the team win” and “their role in the system,” Klay Thompson is second to none. However:
He does not assume the core organizational and initiation rights of the team.
The lack of Finals MVP or All-NBA First Team selections—these are symbols of individual leadership.
Therefore, his potential is great, but his ceiling is clear .
Kawhi Leonard: A versatile forward who excels on both offense and defense
Leonard’s development path is almost a template: from a defensive specialist in the Spurs’ system to the league’s top offensive and defensive leader. He can change the game with his defense and take over the offense in crucial playoff moments; his value lies in deciding the outcome of matches .
Career stats to date:
Averages: 20 points / 6.4 rebounds / 3 assists
Shooting percentage: 50%
Three-point shooting percentage: 39%
Major honors:
2× NBA Championship
2× FMVP
2× Defensive Player of the Year (DPOY)
3× All-Star First Team
6× All-Star Team Selected
7× Selected for the All-Defensive Team
His system of honors is very comprehensive, especially:
Two Finals MVP awards – this is one of the highest standards for measuring a superstar.
The only drawback is:
Low attendance and injuries affected peak duration
But in terms of “peak height”, he far surpasses Irving and Thompson.
Conclusion: Who was the top scorer in the 2011 class?
If we discuss:
| Dimensions | First Place |
|—|—|
| Technical Spectacle | Kyrie Irving |
| Systemic Value that Decides Team Victory | Klay Thompson |
| Peak Performance + Historical Status | Kawhi Leonard |
Therefore, the true number one player of the 2011 class is: Kawhi Leonard.
Whether it’s accolades, offensive and defensive impact, playoff dominance, or league recognition, Leonard has established a leading edge. Even with his career filled with regrets and “what ifs,” his peak performance is still enough to place him at the top of this draft class.
https://www.aevening.com/kyrie-irving-the-artistry-and-legacy-of-an-nba-icon/
