Nolan Derek Smith is an American former professional basketball player and assistant coach. He played college basketball for Duke before being drafted 21st overall by the Portland Trail Blazers in the 2011 NBA draft. As a junior, he started at shooting guard for Duke's national champion 2010 team. As a senior, he was named a consensus first-team All-American and the ACC Player of the Year.
Smith playing for Duke in February 2011
Nolan (2) was named ACC Player of the Year in 2011.
Smith (right) with teammate Damian Lillard in 2013
The 2011 NBA draft was held on June 23, 2011, at Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey. The draft started at 8:00 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time, and was broadcast in the United States on ESPN. Kia Motors was the presenting sponsor of the 2011 NBA draft. In this draft, National Basketball Association (NBA) teams took turns selecting amateur U.S. college basketball players and other eligible players, including international players. The Cleveland Cavaliers had the first pick due to a previous trade they had involving the Los Angeles Clippers, choosing point guard Kyrie Irving of Duke. Of the 60 players drafted, 7 were freshmen, 7 were sophomores, 14 were juniors, 19 were seniors, 12 were international players without U.S. college basketball experience, and 1 was a D-League player.
Kyrie Irving was selected 1st overall by the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Jonas Valančiūnas was selected 5th overall by the Toronto Raptors.
Kemba Walker was selected 9th overall by the Charlotte Bobcats.
Klay Thompson was selected 11th overall by the Golden State Warriors.
