1981 NBA draft

Basketball player selection August 2023 1981 NBA draft Basketball June 9, 1981 Grand Hyatt Hotel (New York City, New York)Bradley Robert D. The Basketball Draft Fact Book: A History of Professional Basketball's College Drafts 2013 Scarecrow Press 9780810890695 USA Network NBA 223 10 Mark Aguirre, Dallas Mavericks 1 G Isiah Thomas 1980 1982 The 1981 NBA draft was the 35th annual draft of the National Basketball Association (NBA). The draft was held on June 9, 1981, before the 1981–82 season. The draft was broadcast in the United States on the USA Network.https://www.espn.com/espn/page2/story?page=simmons/020712 Let's go to the tape Bill Simmons July 12, 2002 ESPN.com December 1, 2010 In this draft, 23 NBA teams took turns selecting amateur U.S. college basketball players and other eligible players, including international players. The first two picks in the draft belonged to the teams that finished last in each conference, with the order determined by a coin flip.http://www.nba.com/history/draft_evolution.html Evolution of the Draft and Lottery NBA.com Turner Sports Interactive, Inc December 1, 2010 https://web.archive.org/web/20101203184544/http://www.nba.com/history/draft_evolution.html 3 December 2010 dead The Dallas Mavericks won the coin flip and were awarded the first overall pick, while the Detroit Pistons were awarded the second pick.https://www.nytimes.com/1981/05/01/sports/mavericks-win-first-draft-pick.html Mavericks Win First Draft Pick May 1, 1981 The New York Times December 1, 2010 The remaining first-round picks and the subsequent rounds were assigned to teams in reverse order of their win–loss record in the previous season. A player who had finished his four-year college eligibility was automatically eligible for selection. Before the draft, five college underclassmen announced that they would leave college early and would be eligible for selection.http://www.nba.com/news/lottery02_earlyentry_history.html Early Entry Candidate History NBA.com Turner Sports Interactive, Inc December 1, 2010 https://web.archive.org/web/20090914112043/http://www.nba.com/news/lottery02_earlyentry_history.html September 14, 2009 dead The draft consisted of 10 rounds comprising the selection of 223 players. The Dallas Mavericks used their first pick to draft 1980 Naismith College Player of the Year Mark Aguirre from DePaul University. Aguirre, who had just finished his junior season in college, became the second underclassman to be drafted first overall, after Magic Johnson in 1979. The Detroit Pistons used the second overall pick to draft Isiah Thomas, a sophomore guard from Indiana University. Thomas had just won the 1981 National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Championship with Indiana and was named as the tournament's Most Outstanding Player. The New Jersey Nets used the third pick to draft another underclassman, Buck Williams, from the University of Maryland. Williams went on to win the Rookie of the Year Award and was also selected to the All-Star Game in his rookie season.https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/w/willibu01.html Buck Williams Statistics basketball-reference.com December 1, 2010 This draft marked the first time that the first three selections were college underclassmen.https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=D6IaAAAAIBAJ&pg=6427,5446990 Draft is not for everybody Michael Wilbon April 15, 1993 The Milwaukee Journal Milwaukee, Wisconsin The Journal Company December 1, 2010 Danny Ainge, the 1981 Wooden College Player of the Year, was selected in the second round with the 31st pick by the Boston Celtics.https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/a/aingeda01.html Danny Ainge Statistics basketball-reference.com December 5, 2010 Ainge had been playing professional baseball since 1979 with the Toronto Blue Jays in the Major League Baseball (MLB) while also playing college basketball at Brigham Young University. He reportedly preferred to continue his baseball career, but the Celtics successfully persuaded him to play basketball instead.https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/a/aingeda01.shtml Danny Ainge Statistics and History baseball-reference.com December 5, 2010https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=KQcgAAAAIBAJ&pg=5085,2051052 Celtics Gamble on Danny Ainge Howarn Ulman June 10, 1981 Lewiston Daily Sun Lewiston-Auburn, Maine Sun Media Group December 5, 2010http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/news/2003/05/09/ainge_celtics_ap/ Back in the game May 9, 2003 Sports Illustrated Time Warner Company December 5, 2010 November 3, 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20121103163700/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/news/2003/05/09/ainge_celtics_ap/ dead He is one of only twelve athletes who have played in both the NBA and MLB.https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=7VguAAAAIBAJ&pg=1326,239371 Sports Hot Line November 1, 1981 Beaver County Times Beaver, Pennsylvania Calkins Media December 5, 2010http://www.wsucougars.com/sports/m-basebl/spec-rel/080902aaa.html Hendrickson Becomes Latest to Play In Both NBA and Major League Baseball August 9, 2002 WSU Cougars CBS Interactive December 5, 2010 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20110718123002/http://www.wsucougars.com/sports/m-basebl/spec-rel/080902aaa.html July 18, 2011 https://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/latimes/access/148709171.html?dids=148709171:148709171&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&type=current&date=Aug+13%2C+2002&author=Jerry+Crowe&pub=Los+Angeles+Times&desc=The+Inside+Track%3B+MORNING+BRIEFING%3B+New+Coach+Pulls+the+Strings+in+Washington&pqatl=google The Inside Track; Morning Briefing; New Coach Pulls the Strings in Washington Jerry Crowe August 13, 2002 Los Angeles Times December 5, 2010 March 2, 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20120302215918/http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/latimes/access/148709171.html?dids=148709171:148709171&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&type=current&date=Aug+13%2C+2002&author=Jerry+Crowe&pub=Los+Angeles+Times&desc=The+Inside+Track%3B+MORNING+BRIEFING%3B+New+Coach+Pulls+the+Strings+in+Washington&pqatl=google dead Key Pos.GFCPositionGuardForwardCenter y y y y y y Draft upright|thumb|150px|alt=A man, wearing a blue jersey with a word "PISTONS" and the number "23" written in the front, is trying to dunk a basketball.|Mark Aguirre was selected first overall by the Dallas Mavericks. upright|thumb|150px|alt=A man, wearing a black suit and white shirt, is standing on a basketball court while shouting and pointing at someone outside the picture.|Isiah Thomas was selected second overall by the Detroit Pistons. upright|thumb|150px|alt=A man, wearing a white jersey, is shooting a basketball.|Albert King was selected 10th overall by the New Jersey Nets. upright|thumb|150px|alt=A man, wearing a green hat and white shirt, is standing on top of a parade float in celebration of winning a championship.|Danny Ainge was selected 31st overall by the Boston Celtics. thumb|right|150px|Jay Triano, the 179th pick, never played in the NBA but was the head coach of NBA team Toronto Raptors from 2008 to 2011 and has coached in the NBA since 2002. Rnd. Draft round Pick Overall pick number Player Pos. Position(s) played Nationality Player's representative nationalityn nationality Nationality indicates the player's national team or representative nationality. If a player has not competed at the international level, then the nationality indicates the national team which the player is eligible to represent according to FIBA rules. Team School / club team Most recent school attended or team played for before the draft11 Mark Aguirre+ G/F United States Dallas Mavericks DePaul (Jr.)12 Isiah Thomas^ G United States Detroit Pistons Indiana (So.)13 Buck Williams*~ F/C United States New Jersey Nets Maryland (Jr.)14 Al Wood G/F United States Atlanta Hawks (from Cleveland via Philadelphia, Portland and Chicago)Note1 a a 1 North Carolina (Sr.)15 Danny Vranes F United States Seattle SuperSonics (from Utah)Note2 b b Utah (Sr.)16 Orlando Woolridge F United States Chicago Bulls (from Atlanta)Note1 a 2 Notre Dame (Sr.)17 Steve Johnson basketball+ F/C United States Kansas City Kings (from Seattle via New York)Note3 c c Oregon State (Sr.)18 Tom Chambers basketball* F/C United States San Diego Clippers Utah (Sr.)19 Rolando Blackman+ G United Statesn Rolando Blackman was born in Panama, but grew up in the United States and has represented the United States national team.http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/basketball/knicks/2009/02/21/2009-02-21_former_knicks_g_rolando_blackman_makes_a.html Former Knicks G Rolando Blackman makes a difference world-wide Matt Gagne February 28, 2009 NY Daily News Daily News, L.P November 23, 2010https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=oIMcAAAAIBAJ&pg=6960,3288260 Concern on Panama December 21, 1989 The Pittsburgh Press Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania E.W. Scripps Company November 23, 2010 Dallas Mavericks (from Denver)Note4 d d Kansas State (Sr.)110 Albert King basketball G/F United States New Jersey Nets (from Golden State via Portland)Note5 e e Maryland (Sr.)111 Frank Johnson basketball, born 1958 G United States Washington Bullets Wake Forest (Sr.)112 Kelly Tripucka+ G/F United States Detroit Pistons (from Kansas City)Note6 f f Notre Dame (Sr.)113 Danny Schayes F/C United States Utah Jazz (from Houston)Note7 g g Syracuse (Sr.)114 Herb Williams F/C United States Indiana Pacers Ohio State (Sr.)115 Jeff Lamp G/F United States Portland Trail Blazers Virginia (Sr.)116 Darnell Valentine G United States Portland Trail Blazers (from Chicago)Note1 a 3 Kansas (Sr.)117 Kevin Loder G/F United States Kansas City Kings (from New York via Cleveland)Note8 h h 1 Alabama State (Sr.)118 Ray Tolbert F United States New Jersey Nets (from San Antonio)Note9 i i Indiana (Sr.)119 Mike McGee basketball G/F United States Los Angeles Lakers Michigan (Sr.)120 Larry Nance+ F/C United States Phoenix Suns Clemson (Sr.)121 Alton Lister F/C United States Milwaukee Bucks Arizona State(Sr.)122 Franklin Edwards G United States Philadelphia 76ers Cleveland State (Sr.)123 Charles Bradley basketball G United States Boston Celtics Wyoming (Sr.)224 Jay Vincent F United States Dallas Mavericks Michigan State (Sr.)225 Tracy Jackson G/F United States Boston Celtics (from Detroit)Note10 j j Notre Dame (Sr.)226 Brian Jackson basketball# F United States Portland Trail Blazers (from New Jersey via Indiana)Note11 k k Utah State (Sr.)227 Howard Wood basketball F United States Utah Jazz Tennessee (Sr.)228 Gene Banks G/F United States San Antonio Spurs (from Cleveland via Los Angeles and Chicago)Note12 l l 1 Duke (Sr.)229 Eddie Johnson basketball, born 1959 G/F United States Kansas City Kings (from Atlanta)Note13 m m Illinois (Sr.)230 Ed Rains F United States San Antonio Spurs (from Seattle via Chicago)Note12 l 2 South Alabama (Sr.)231 Danny Ainge+ G/F United States Boston Celtics (from San Diego)Note14 n n Brigham Young (Sr.)232 Mike Olliver# G United States Chicago Bulls (from Denver,Note15 o o traded to Indiana)NoteA A A 1 Lamar (Sr.)233 Sam Williams basketball, born 1959 F United States Golden State Warriors (from Washington)Note16 p p Arizona State (Sr.)234 Ken Green basketball, born 1959 F United States Denver Nuggets (from Golden State via Utah)Note17 q q Pan American (Sr.)235 Charles Davis basketball, born 1958 F United States Washington Bullets (from Houston)Note18 r r Vanderbilt (Sr.)236 Ray Blume G United States Indiana Pacers (from Kansas City via Cleveland,Note8 h 2 traded to Chicago)NoteA A 2 Oregon State (Sr.)237 Al Leslie# G United States Indiana Pacers Bucknell (Sr.)238 Clyde Bradshaw# G United States Atlanta Hawks (from Chicago)Note1 a 4 DePaul (Sr.)239 Harvey Knuckles# F United States Los Angeles Lakers (from Portland via Detroit)Note19 s s Toledo (Sr.)240 Greg Cook basketball# F United States New York Knicks LSU (Sr.)241 Claude Gregory F United States Washington Bullets (from San Antonio)Note20 t t Wisconsin (Sr.)242 Elvis Rolle# F/C Los Angeles Lakers Florida State (Sr.)243 Elston Turner G/F United States Dallas Mavericks (from Phoenix)Note21 u u Mississippi (Sr.)244 Steve Lingenfelter F United States Washington Bullets (from Milwaukee via Kansas City and New Jersey)Note22 v v South Dakota State (Sr.)245 Ed Turner basketball# F United States Houston Rockets (from Boston)Note23 w w Texas A&I (Sr.)246 Vernon Smith basketball# F United States Philadelphia 76ers Texas A&M (Sr.)347 Art Housey 1# C United States Dallas Mavericks Kansas (Sr.)348 Mike Ferrara# G United States Washington Bullets Colgate (Sr.)349 David Burns basketball G United States New Jersey Nets Saint Louis (Sr.)350 Derek Holcomb 1# C United States Portland Trail Blazers Illinois (Sr.)351 Zam Fredrick# G United States Los Angeles Lakers South Carolina (Sr.)352 Rudy Macklin G/F United States Atlanta Hawks LSU (Sr.)353 Mark Radford basketball G United States Seattle SuperSonics Oregon State (Sr.)354 Jim Smith basketball, born 1958 F United States San Diego Clippers Ohio State (Sr.)355 Mickey Dillard G United States Cleveland Cavaliers (from Denver)Note24 x x Florida State (Sr.)356 Carlton Neverson 1# G United States Golden State Warriors Pittsburgh (Sr.)357 Frank Brickowski F/C United States New York Knicks (from Washington)Note25 y y Penn State (Sr.)358 Curtis Berry# F United States Kansas City Kings Missouri (Sr.)359 Russell Bowers 1# F United States Cleveland Cavaliers American (Sr.)360 Purvis Miller 1# F United States Indiana Pacers USC (Sr.)361 Pétur Guðmundsson basketball C Portland Trail Blazers Valur (Iceland)362 Sam Clancy# F United States Phoenix Suns Pittsburgh (Sr.)363 Wayne McKoy# F United States New York Knicks St. John's (Sr.)364 Tom Baker 1# G United States San Antonio Spurs Eastern Kentucky (Sr.)365 Ron Cornelius 1# F United States Los Angeles Lakers Pacific (Sr.)366 Craig Dykema F United States Phoenix Suns Long Beach State (Sr.)367 Mark Smith 1# F United States Milwaukee Bucks Illinois (Sr.)368 Ernest Graham 1# F United States Philadelphia 76ers Maryland (Sr.)369 John Johnson 1# G United Kingdom Boston Celtics Michigan (Sr.)470 Eddie Moss 1# G United States Dallas Mavericks Syracuse (Sr.)471 John May 1# C United States Detroit Pistons South Alabama (Sr.)472 Ed Sherod G United States New Jersey Nets VCU (Sr.)473 Georgie Torres# G Puerto Rico Utah Jazz Southern Nazarene (Sr.)474 Ethan Martin 1# G United States Cleveland Cavaliers LSU (Sr.)475 Kevin Figaro 1# G United States Atlanta Hawks Southwestern Louisiana (Sr.)476 Lewis Lloyd G/F United States Golden State Warriors (from Seattle)Note26 z z Drake (Sr.)477 Lee Raker 1# G United States San Diego Clippers Virginia (Sr.)478 Kenny Dennard F United States Kansas City Kings (from Denver)Note27 aa aa Duke (Sr.)479 Ron Davis 1# F United States Washington Bullets Arizona (Sr.)480 Terry Adolph 1# G United States Golden State Warriors West Texas State (Sr.)481 Larry Spriggs F United States Houston Rockets Howard (Sr.)482 B. B. Davis# F United States Kansas City Kings Lamar (Sr.)483 Rolando Frazer# F Panama Indiana Pacers Briar Cliff (Sr.)484 Oliver Lee 1# F United States Chicago Bulls Marquette (Sr.)485 Peter Verhoeven F United States Portland Trail Blazers Fresno State (Sr.)486 Alex Bradley Alex Bradley (basketball) F United States New York Knicks Villanova (Sr.)487 Earl Belcher# F United States San Antonio Spurs St. Bonaventure (Sr.)488 Kevin McKenna basketball G/F United States Los Angeles Lakers Creighton (Sr.)489 Donnie Koonce# G United States Detroit Pistons Charlotte (Sr.)490 Kris Anderson 1# F United States Milwaukee Bucks Florida State (Sr.)491 Stanley Williams 1# F United States Boston Celtics La Salle (Sr.)492 Rynn Wright 1# F United States Philadelphia 76ers Texas A&M (Sr.)593 Pete Budko 1# F United States Dallas Mavericks North Carolina (Sr.)594 George DeVone 1# C United States Detroit Pistons Charlotte (Sr.)595 Joe Cooper basketball F/C United States New Jersey Nets Colorado (Sr.)596 Kenny Page 1# G United States Cleveland Cavaliers New Mexico (Jr.)597 Mike Clark 1# F United States Utah Jazz Oregon (Sr.)598 Steve Krafcisin 1# F United States Atlanta Hawks Iowa (Sr.)599 Andra Griffin 1# F United States Seattle SuperSonics Washington (Sr.)5100 Dennis Isbell 1# F United States San Diego Clippers Memphis State (Sr.)5101 Willie Sims basketball# G United Statesn Sims later became an Israeli citizen. Denver Nuggets LSU (Sr.)5102 Hank McDowell F/C United States Golden State Warriors Memphis State (Sr.)5103 Garry Witts G/F United States Washington Bullets Holy Cross (Sr.)5104 U.S. Reed# G United States Kansas City Kings Arkansas (Sr.)5105 Hasan Houston 1# G United States Houston Rockets Bradley (Sr.)5106 George Peterson 1# F United States Indiana Pacers Jersey City State (Sr.)5107 Herb Andrew 1# G United States Portland Trail Blazers South Alabama (Sr.)5108 Johnny Nash 1# F United States Chicago Bulls Arizona State (Sr.)5109 Jim Wright 1# F United States New York Knicks Rhode Island (Sr.)5110 Mike Rhodes 1# G United States San Antonio Spurs Vanderbilt (Sr.)5111 Craig Watts 1# C United States Los Angeles Lakers NC State (Sr.)5112 Paul Heuerman 1# C United States Phoenix Suns Michigan (Sr.)5113 Kelvin Troy 1# F United States Milwaukee Bucks Rutgers (Sr.)5114 Steve Craig 1# G United States Philadelphia 76ers BYU (Sr.)5115 Glen Grunwald# F United Statesn Grunwald obtained Canadian citizenship in 1999. Boston Celtics Indiana (Sr.)6116 Karl Bankowski 1# F United States Dallas Mavericks Utah (Sr.)6117 Vince Brookins 1# F United States Detroit Pistons Iowa (Sr.)6118 Kevin Lynam 1# G United States New Jersey Nets La Salle (Sr.)6119 Kevin Sprewer 1# C United States Utah Jazz Loyola Chicago (Sr.)6120 Aaron Strayhorn 1# G United States Cleveland Cavaliers Hawaii (Sr.)6121 Darryl Warwick 1# G United States Atlanta Hawks Hampton (Sr.)6122 Earl Banks 1# F United States Seattle SuperSonics Auburn (Sr.)6123 Mike Pepper 1# G United States San Diego Clippers North Carolina (Sr.)6124 Alonzo Weatherly 1# F United States Denver Nuggets Denver (Sr.)6125 Robert Williams Grambling State basketball# F United States Washington Bullets Grambling State (Sr.)6126 Carter Scott 1# G United States Golden State Warriors Ohio State (Sr.)6127 Fred Cowan 1# G United States Houston Rockets Kentucky (Sr.)6128 Brian Walker 1# G United States Kansas City Kings Purdue (Sr.)6129 Robert Fronk 1# G United States Indiana Pacers Washington (Sr.)6130 Roger Burkman G United States Chicago Bulls Louisville (Sr.)6131 Roshern Amie 1# F United States Portland Trail Blazers UTEP (Sr.)6132 John Blair 1# G United States New York Knicks Monmouth (Sr.)6133 Northern Shavers 1# F United States San Antonio Spurs Jackson State (Sr.)6134 Kevin Singleton 1# F United States Los Angeles Lakers California (Sr.)6135 Pete Harris 1# G United States Phoenix Suns Northeastern (Sr.)6136 Jo Jo Hunter# G United States Milwaukee Bucks Colorado (Sr.)6137 Steve Waite 1# F United States Boston Celtics Iowa (Sr.)6138 Michael Thomas 1# G United States Philadelphia 76ers North Park (Sr.)7139 Danny Davis 1# F United States Dallas Mavericks UNC Wilmington (Sr.)7140 Greg Nance 1# F United States Detroit Pistons West Virginia (Sr.)7141 Rod Roberson 1# G United States New Jersey Nets Northwestern (Sr.)7142 Andre Smith basketball, born 1958# F United States Cleveland Cavaliers Nebraska (Sr.)7143 Mike Robinson 1# F United States Utah Jazz Central Michigan (Sr.)7144 Kevin Vesey 1# C United States Atlanta Hawks Iona (Sr.)7145 Tom Sienkiewicz 1# G United States Seattle SuperSonics Villanova (Sr.)7146 Randy Johnson 1# G United States San Diego Clippers Southern Colorado (Sr.)7147 Greg Manning 1# G United States Denver Nuggets Maryland (Sr.)7148 Robbie Dosty 1# F United States Golden State Warriors Arizona (Sr.)7149 Randy Martel 1# F United States Washington Bullets Houston Baptist (Sr.)7150 Clinton Wheeler G United States Kansas City Kings William Paterson (Sr.)7151 Joe Faine 1# G United States Houston Rockets Bowling Green (Sr.)7152 Larry McKinney 1# F United States Indiana Pacers Boise State (Sr.)7153 Julius Wayne 1# G United States Portland Trail Blazers UTEP (Sr.)7154 Scott Williams 1# G United States Chicago Bulls South Alabama (Sr.)7155 Terry Cramer 1# G United States New York Knicks Ripon (Sr.)7156 Mark Minderman 1# F United States San Antonio Spurs Northern Michigan (Sr.)7157 Larry Petty 1# C United States Los Angeles Lakers Wisconsin (Sr.)7158 David Williams 1# F United States Phoenix Suns Southern (Sr.)7159 Lewis Latimore 1# C United States Milwaukee Bucks Virginia (Sr.)7160 John Crawford 1# F United States Philadelphia 76ers Kansas (Sr.)7161 Tom Seaman 1# F United States Boston Celtics Holy Cross (Sr.)8162 David Kennedy 1# G United States Dallas Mavericks Cincinnati (Sr.)8163 Joe Schoen 1# F United States Detroit Pistons Saint Francis (Sr.)8164 Ken Webb 1# F United States New Jersey Nets Fairleigh Dickinson (Sr.)8165 Bobby Cattage F United States Utah Jazz Auburn (Sr.)8166 Glenn Marcus 1# G United States Cleveland Cavaliers UAB (Sr.)8167 Gilbert Salinas 1# C United States Atlanta Hawks Notre Dame (Sr.)8168 Todd Haynes 1# F United States San Diego Clippers Davidson (Sr.)8169 Curtis Redding 1# G United States Denver Nuggets St. John's (Sr.)8170 Mike Howard 1# G United States Washington Bullets Wofford (Sr.)8171 Yasutaka Okayama# C Japan Golden State Warriors Sumitomo Metal Sparks (Japan)8172 Stanley Brewer 1# G United States Houston Rockets West Georgia (Sr.)8173 Randy Smithson# G United States Kansas City Kings Wichita State (Sr.)8174 Len Hatzenbeller# C United States Indiana Pacers Drexel (Sr.)8175 Ben Mitchell 1# F United States Chicago Bulls Alabama–Huntsville (Sr.)8176 John Smith 1# F United States Portland Trail Blazers Saint Joseph's (Sr.)8177 Brian O'Connor 1# F United States New York Knicks Thomas More (Sr.)8178 Bob Bartholomew 1# F United States San Antonio Spurs San Diego (Sr.)8179 Jay Triano# G Canada Los Angeles Lakers Simon Fraser (Sr.)8180 Steve Risley 1# F United States Phoenix Suns Indiana (Sr.)8181 Mike Brkovich# G Canada Milwaukee Bucks Michigan State (Sr.)8182 George Morrow 1# F United States Boston Celtics Creighton (Sr.)8183 Frank Gilroy 1# F United States Philadelphia 76ers St. John's (Sr.)9184 John Hollinden 1# C United States Dallas Mavericks Southern Indiana (Sr.)9185 Eddie Baker 1# F United States Detroit Pistons Alcorn State (Sr.)9186 Rudy Williams 1# F United States New Jersey Nets Providence (Sr.)9187 Paul Roba 1# C United States Cleveland Cavaliers Cleveland State (Sr.)9188 Ken Ollie 1# F United States Utah Jazz Wyoming (Sr.)9189 Howard Thompkins 1# F United States Atlanta Hawks Wagner (Sr.)9190 Art Jones 1# F United States San Diego Clippers NC State (Sr.)9191 Andrew Burton 1# G United States Denver Nuggets Austin Peay (Sr.)9192 Doug Murrey 1# F United States Golden State Warriors San Jose State (Sr.)9193 Eddie Brown 1# G United States Washington Bullets Valdosta State (Sr.)9194 Michael Perry basketball# G United States Kansas City Kings Richmond (Sr.)9195 Scott Whitley 1# F United States Indiana Pacers William & Mary (Sr.)9196 Sid Williams 1# F United States Portland Trail Blazers San Jose State (Sr.)9197 Terry Martin 1# G United States Chicago Bulls Lambuth (Sr.)9198 Marty Headd 1# G United States New York Knicks Syracuse (Sr.)9199 Leonel Marquetti# F Cuban Marquetti was born in Cuba and raised in the United States where he held dual citizenship. San Antonio Spurs Hampton (Jr.)9200 Brian Johnson 1# F United States Phoenix Suns Colorado (Sr.)9201 Chip Rucker 1# F United States Milwaukee Bucks Northeastern (Sr.)9202 Ron Wister 1# C United States Philadelphia 76ers Temple (Sr.)9203 Greg McCray 1# F United States Boston Celtics VCU (Sr.)10204 Scott Bolanko 1# G United States Dallas Mavericks Northern State (Sr.)10205 Melvin Maxwell 1# F United States Detroit Pistons Western Michigan (Sr.)10206 Vic Sison 1# G United States New Jersey Nets UCLA (Sr.)10207 Joe Merten# F United States Utah Jazz Wisconsin–Eau Claire (Sr.)10208 Greg Boone 1# G United States Cleveland Cavaliers Augsburg (Sr.)10209 Mike Frazier 1# C United States Atlanta Hawks Georgetown (Sr.)10210 Tony Gwynn# G United States San Diego Clippers San Diego State (Sr.)10211 Derrick Rowland G United States Denver Nuggets Potsdam State (Sr.)10212 Ralton Way 1# F United Kingdomn Way was born in the United Kingdom and raised in the United States. A dual national, he played for the British national team.Ralton Way Obituary https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/san-antonio-tx/ralton-way-11753533 Dignity Memorial November 19, 2024 Washington Bullets Houston Baptist (Sr.)10213 Barry Brooks 1# F United States Golden State Warriors USC (Sr.)10214 Mark Wilson 1# G United States Kansas City Kings Fort Hays State (Sr.)10215 Rodney Benson 1# F United States Indiana Pacers Wright State (Sr.)10216 Kenny Easley# G United States Chicago Bulls UCLA (Sr.)10217 Steve Cochran 1# G United States Portland Trail Blazers Lewis & Clark (Sr.)10218 Kevin Rogers 1# C United States New York Knicks Saint Peter's (Sr.)10219 Alvin Brooks basketball, born 1959# G United States San Antonio Spurs Lamar (Sr.)10220 Felton Sealey 1# G United States Phoenix Suns Oregon (Sr.)10221 Artie Green# G United States Milwaukee Bucks Marquette (Sr.)10222 Kenny Matthews# G United States Boston Celtics NC State (Sr.)10223 Pete Mullenberg 1# C United States Philadelphia 76ers Delaware (Sr.) Notable undrafted players List of undrafted NBA players These players were not selected in the 1981 draft but played at least one game in the NBA. Player Pos. Nationality School/club team Ron Cavenall C United States Texas Southern (Sr.) Jerome Henderson basketball C/F United States New Mexico (Sr.) Trades Draft-day trades The following trades involving drafted players were made on the day of the draft. NoteA A A 1NoteA A 2 The Indiana Pacers acquired the draft rights to 32nd pick Mike Olliver from the Chicago Bulls in exchange for the draft rights to 36th pick Ray Blume and a 1982 second-round pick.https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/b/blumera01.html Ray Blume Statistics basketball-reference.com December 7, 2010 Pre-draft trades Prior to the day of the draft, the following trades were made and resulted in exchanges of picks between the teams. Note1 a a 1Note1 a 2Note1 a 3Note1 a 4 On June 8, 1981, the Atlanta Hawks acquired a 1981 first-round pick and a 1981 second-round pick from the Chicago Bulls in exchange for a 1981 first-round pick, a 1982 second-round pick and an option to swap 1982 first-round draft picks.https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/w/woodal01.html Al Wood Statistics basketball-reference.com December 7, 2010 Previously, the Bulls acquired the draft rights to Ronnie Lester and the first-round pick on June 10, 1980, from the Portland Trail Blazers in exchange for the draft rights to Kelvin Ransey and a 1981 first-round pick.https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/r/ranseke01.html Kelvin Ransey Statistics basketball-reference.com December 7, 2010 Previously, the Blazers acquired the pick on February 8, 1980, from the Philadelphia 76ers in exchange for Lionel Hollins.https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/h/hollili01.html Lionel Hollins Statistics basketball-reference.com December 7, 2010 Previously, the 76ers acquired the pick and a 1983 first-round pick on October 3, 1977, from the Cleveland Cavaliers in exchange for Terry Furlow.https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/f/furlote01.html Terry Furlow Statistics basketball-reference.com December 7, 2010 The Hawks used the picks to draft Al Wood and Clyde Bradshaw. The Bulls used the pick to draft Orlando Woolridge. The Blazers used the pick to draft Darnell Valentine. Note2 b b On January 4, 1978, the Seattle SuperSonics acquired a first-round pick from the Utah Jazz in exchange for Slick Watts.https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/w/wattssl01.html Slick Watts Statistics basketball-reference.com December 7, 2010 The Sonics used the pick to draft Danny Vranes. Note3 c c September 25, 1980, the Kansas City Kings acquired Joe Meriweather and a first-round pick from the New York Knicks in a three-team trade with the Knicks and the Cleveland Cavaliers.https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/m/meriwjo01.html Joe Meriweather Statistics basketball-reference.com December 7, 2010 Previously, the Knicks acquired a first-round pick on October 4, 1978, from the Seattle SuperSonics in exchange for Lonnie Shelton and a 1979 first-round pick. This trade was arranged as compensation when the Knicks signed Marvin Webster on September 29, 1978.https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/s/sheltlo01.html Lonnie Shelton Statistics basketball-reference.com December 7, 2010 The Kings used the pick to draft Steve Johnson. Note4 d d On December 3, 1980, the Dallas Mavericks acquired 1981 and 1985 first-round picks from the Denver Nuggets in exchange for Kiki Vandeweghe and a 1986 first-round pick.https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/v/vandeki01.html Kiki Vandeweghe Statistics basketball-reference.com December 7, 2010 The Mavericks used the pick to draft Rolando Blackman. Note5 e e On February 8, 1980, the New Jersey Nets acquired Maurice Lucas, 1980 and 1981 first-round picks from the Portland Trail Blazers in exchange for Calvin Natt.https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/l/lucasma01.html Maurice Lucas Statistics basketball-reference.com December 7, 2010 Previously, the Blazers acquired the pick on June 7, 1978, from the Golden State Warriors in exchange for a 1978 first-round pick.https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/t/townsra01.html Raymond Townsend Statistics basketball-reference.com December 7, 2010 The Nets used the pick to draft Albert King. Note6 f f On June 12, 1980, the Detroit Pistons acquired a first-round pick from the Kansas City Kings as compensation for the signing of Leon Douglas as a free agent.https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/d/douglle01.html Leon Douglas Statistics basketball-reference.com December 7, 2010 The Pistons used the pick to draft Kelly Tripucka. Note7 g g On September 21, 1978, the Utah Jazz acquired a first-round pick from the Houston Rockets in exchange for Slick Watts. The Jazz used the pick to draft Danny Schayes. Note8 h h 1Note8 h 2 On June 8, 1981, the Indiana Pacers acquired 1981 and 1982 second-round picks on June 8, 1981, from the Cleveland Cavaliers. This trade was arranged as compensation when the Cavaliers signed James Edwards on May 25, 1981.https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/e/edwarja01.html James Edwards Statistics basketball-reference.com December 7, 2010 Previously, the Kansas City Kings acquired a first-round pick on June 8, 1981, from the Cavaliers in exchange for the second-round pick. This trade was arranged as compensation when the Cavaliers signed Scott Wedman.https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/w/wedmasc01.html Scott Wedman Statistics basketball-reference.com December 7, 2010 Previously, the Cavaliers acquired the first-round pick on May 20, 1981, from the New York Knicks in exchange for Randy Smith.https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/s/smithra01.html Randy Smith Statistics basketball-reference.com December 7, 2010 https://web.archive.org/web/20101204233307/http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/s/smithra01.html 4 December 2010 live The Kings used the pick to draft Kevin Loder. The Pacers used the pick to draft Ray Blume. Note9 i i On August 15, 1980, the New Jersey Nets acquired a first-round pick from the San Antonio Spurs as compensation for the signing of George Johnson as a free agent.https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/j/johnsge02.html George Johnson Statistics basketball-reference.com December 7, 2010 The Nets used the pick to draft Ray Tolbert. Note10 j j On October 19, 1978, the Boston Celtics acquired Chris Ford and a second-round pick from the Detroit Pistons in exchange for Earl Tatum.https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/f/fordch01.html Chris Ford Statistics basketball-reference.com December 7, 2010 The Celtics used the pick to draft Tracy Jackson. Note11 k k On October 9, 1979, the Portland Trail Blazers acquired a second-round pick from the Indiana Pacers in exchange for Clemon Johnson.https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/j/johnscl01.html Clemon Johnson Statistics basketball-reference.com December 7, 2010 Previously, the Pacers acquired Bob Carrington, 1980 and 1981 second-round picks on January 27, 1978, from the New Jersey Nets in exchange for John Williamson.https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/w/willijo01.html John Williamson Statistics basketball-reference.com December 7, 2010 The Blazers used the pick to draft Brian Jackson. Note12 l l 1Note12 l 2 On September 12, 1980, the San Antonio Spurs acquired two second-round picks from the Chicago Bulls as compensation for the signing of Larry Kenon as a free agent.https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/k/kenonla01.html Larry Kenon Statistics basketball-reference.com December 8, 2010 Previously, the Bulls acquired one of the pick on August 8, 1980, from the Seattle SuperSonics as compensation for the signing of Dennis Awtrey as a free agent.https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/a/awtrede01.html Dennis Awtrey Statistics basketball-reference.com December 8, 2010 Previously, the Bulls acquired Oliver Mack, 1980 and 1981 second-round picks on February 13, 1980, from the Los Angeles Lakers in exchange for Mark Landsberger.https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/l/landsma01.html Mark Landsberger Statistics basketball-reference.com December 8, 2010 Previously, the Lakers acquired 1980 and 1981 second-round picks on October 24, 1979, from the Cleveland Cavaliers in exchange for Kenny Carr.https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/c/carrke01.html Kenny Carr Statistics basketball-reference.com December 8, 2010 The Spurs used the picks to draft Gene Banks and Ed Rains. Note13 m m On July 8, 1980, the Kansas City Kings acquired a second-round pick from the Atlanta Hawks as compensation for the signing of Tommy Burleson as a free agent.https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/b/burleto01.html Tom Burleson Statistics basketball-reference.com December 8, 2010 Previously, the Hawks acquired a 1980 second-round pick and re-acquired their second-round pick on November 23, 1979, from the Utah Jazz in exchange for Terry Furlow. Previously, the Jazz acquired the pick and a 1980 second-round pick on October 10, 1979, from the Hawks in exchange for Ron Lee.https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/l/leero01.html Ron Lee Statistics basketball-reference.com December 8, 2010 The Kings used the pick to draft Eddie Johnson. Note14 n n On August 4, 1978, the Boston Celtics acquired Nate Archibald, Marvin Barnes, Billy Knight, 1981 and 1983 second-round picks from the San Diego Clippers in exchange for Kevin Kunnert, Kermit Washington, Sidney Wicks and Freeman Williams.https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/a/architi01.html Tiny Archibald Statistics basketball-reference.com December 8, 2010 The Celtics used the pick to draft Danny Ainge. Note15 o o On June 9, 1980, the Chicago Bulls acquired a second-round pick from the Denver Nuggets in exchange for Cedrick Hordges.https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/h/hordgce01.html Cedrick Hordges Statistics basketball-reference.com December 8, 2010 The Bulls used the pick to draft Mike Olliver. Note16 p p On June 10, 1980, the Golden State Warriors acquired a second-round pick from the Washington Bullets in exchange for the draft rights to Jeff Ruland.https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/r/rulanje01.html Jeff Ruland Statistics basketball-reference.com December 8, 2010 The Warriors used the pick to draft Sam Williams. Note17 q q On September 11, 1980, the Denver Nuggets acquired Wayne Cooper and a second-round pick from the Utah Jazz in exchange for Bernard King.https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/k/kingbe01.html Bernard King Statistics basketball-reference.com December 11, 2010 Previously, the Jazz acquired the pick and a 1980 third-round pick on October 9, 1979, from the Golden State Warriors in exchange for Robert Smith.https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/s/smithro01.html Robert Smith Statistics basketball-reference.com December 11, 2010 The Nuggets used the pick to draft Ken Green. Note18 r r On June 8, 1981, the Washington Bullets acquired 1981 and 1983 second-round picks from the Houston Rockets in exchange for Elvin Hayes.https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/h/hayesel01.html Elvin Hayes Statistics basketball-reference.com December 11, 2010 The Bullets used the pick to draft Charles Davis. Note19 s s On October 1, 1980, the Los Angeles Lakers acquired a second-round pick from the Detroit Pistons in exchange for Wayne Robinson.https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/r/robinwa01.html Wayne Robinson Statistics basketball-reference.com December 11, 2010 Previously, the Pistons acquired a second-round pick on September 18, 1979, from the Portland Trail Blazers in exchange for Jim Brewer.https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/b/breweji01.html Jim Brewer Statistics basketball-reference.com December 11, 2010 The Lakers used the pick to draft Harvey Knuckles. Note20 t t On September 26, 1980, the Washington Bullets acquired 1981 and 1982 second-round picks from the San Antonio Spurs in exchange for Dave Corzine.https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/c/corzida01.html Dave Corzine Statistics basketball-reference.com December 11, 2010 The Bullets used the pick to draft Claude Gregory. Note21 u u On June 9, 1980, the Dallas Mavericks acquired a second-round pick from the Phoenix Suns in exchange for Wiley Peck.https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/p/peckwi01.html Wiley Peck Statistics basketball-reference.com December 11, 2010 The Mavericks used the pick to draft Elston Turner. Note22 v v On February 4, 1980, the Washington Bullets acquired John Williamson and a second-round pick from the New Jersey Nets in exchange for Roger Phegley. Previously, the Nets acquired Otis Birdsong and the pick on June 8, 1981, from the Kansas City Kings in exchange for Cliff Robinson.https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/b/birdsot01.html Otis Birdsong Statistics basketball-reference.com December 11, 2010 Previously, the Kings acquired the pick on June 19, 1980, from the Milwaukee Bucks as compensation for the signing of Len Elmore as a free agent.https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/e/elmorle01.html Len Elmore Statistics basketball-reference.com December 11, 2010 The Bullets used the pick to draft Steve Lingenfelter. Note23 w w On June 28, 1978, the Houston Rockets acquired a second-round pick from the Boston Celtics as compensation for the signing of Kevin Kunnert as a free agent.https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/k/kunneke01.html Kevin Kunnert Statistics basketball-reference.com December 11, 2010 The Rockets used the pick to draft Ed Turner. Note24 x x On October 31, 1980, the Cleveland Cavaliers acquired Kim Hughes, a 1981 third-round pick and a 1982 second-round pick from the Denver Nuggets in exchange for Dave Robisch.https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/r/robisda01.html Dave Robisch Statistics basketball-reference.com December 11, 2010 The Cavaliers used the pick to draft Mickey Dillard. Note25 y y On December 4, 1979, the New York Knicks acquired a third-round pick from the Washington Bullets in exchange for Jim Cleamons.https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/c/cleamji01.html Jim Cleamons Statistics basketball-reference.com December 11, 2010 The Knicks used the pick to draft Frank Brickowski. Note26 z z On November 3, 1980, the Golden State Warriors acquired a fourth-round pick from the Seattle SuperSonics in exchange for Rudy White.https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/w/whiteru01.html Rudy White Statistics basketball-reference.com December 11, 2010 The Warriors used the pick to draft Lewis Lloyd. Note27 aa aa On July 10, 1978, the Kansas City Kings acquired a fourth-round pick from the Denver Nuggets in exchange for Geoff Crompton.https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/c/crompge01.html Geoff Crompton Statistics basketball-reference.com December 11, 2010 The Kings used the pick to draft Kenny Dennard. Draftee career notes Isiah Thomas is the only player from this draft who has been inducted to the Basketball Hall of Fame.https://www.basketball-reference.com/awards/hof.html Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame Inductees basketball-reference.com December 5, 2010 https://web.archive.org/web/20101205010924/http://www.basketball-reference.com/awards/hof.html 5 December 2010 live He was also named in the 50 Greatest Players in NBA History list announced at the league's 50th anniversary in 1996.http://www.nba.com/history/50greatest.html The NBA's 50 Greatest Players NBA.com Turner Sports Interactive, Inc December 5, 2010 https://web.archive.org/web/20100405004357/http://www.nba.com/history/50greatest.html April 5, 2010 dead He spent his entire 13-year career with the Detroit Pistons and won two NBA championships. He also one Finals Most Valuable Player Award, five consecutive All-NBA Team selections and twelve consecutive All-Star Game selections.http://www.nba.com/history/players/thomas_bio.html Isiah Thomas Bio NBA.com Turner Sports Interactive, Inc December 5, 2010 After retiring as a player, Thomas went on to have a coaching career with the Indiana Pacers and the New York Knicks.https://www.basketball-reference.com/coaches/thomais01c.html Isiah Thomas Coaching Record basketball-reference.com December 5, 2010 Mark Aguirre, the first pick, won two NBA championships with Thomas and the Pistons. His other achievements include three All-Star Game selections.https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/a/aguirma01.html Isiah Thomas Statistics basketball-reference.com December 5, 2010 https://web.archive.org/web/20101115185053/http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/a/aguirma01.html 15 November 2010 live Buck Williams, the third pick, was selected to one All-NBA Team, three All-Star Games and four All-Defensive Teams. Tom Chambers, the eighth pick, was selected to two All-NBA Teams and four All-Star Games.https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/c/chambto01.html Tom Chambers Statistics basketball-reference.com December 5, 2010 Five other players from this draft, seventh pick Steve Johnson, ninth pick Rolando Blackman, 12th pick Kelly Tripucka, 20th pick Larry Nance and 31st pick Danny Ainge, were also selected to at least one All-Star Game each.https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/j/johnsst03.html Steve Johnson Statistics basketball-reference.com December 5, 2010https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/b/blackro01.html Rolando Blackman Statistics basketball-reference.com December 5, 2010https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/t/tripuke01.html Kelly Tripucka Statistics basketball-reference.com December 5, 2010https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/n/nancela01.html Larry Nance Statistics basketball-reference.com December 5, 2010 Eddie Johnson, the 29th pick, is the only other player from this draft who has won an annual NBA award as a player; he won the Sixth Man of the Year Award in 1989.https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/j/johnsed03.html Eddie Johnson Statistics basketball-reference.com December 5, 2010 Aside from Thomas, four other players drafted also went on to have coaching careers in the NBA: Danny Ainge, 11th pick Frank Johnson, 14th pick Herb Williams and 179th pick Jay Triano.https://www.basketball-reference.com/coaches/aingeda01c.html Danny Ainge Coaching Record basketball-reference.com December 5, 2010 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20101223091804/http://www.basketball-reference.com/coaches/aingeda01c.html December 23, 2010 https://www.basketball-reference.com/coaches/johnsfr01c.html Frank Johnson Coaching Record basketball-reference.com December 5, 2010https://www.basketball-reference.com/coaches/willihe01c.html Herb Williams Coaching Record basketball-reference.com December 5, 2010 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20010211134020/http://www.nba.com/playerfile/bio/herb_williams.html February 11, 2001 https://www.basketball-reference.com/coaches/trianja99c.html Jay Triano Coaching Record basketball-reference.com December 7, 2010 In the eighth round, the Golden State Warriors used the 171st pick to selected Yasutaka Okayama, a Japanese basketball player who was measured at 7 ft 8 in m and 330 lb kg.http://www.nba.com/draft2003/draft_oddities_030619.html Draft Oddities Randy Kim June 19, 2003 NBA.com Turner Sports Interactive, Inc December 5, 2010 https://web.archive.org/web/20101202215648/http://www.nba.com/draft2003/draft_oddities_030619.html 2 December 2010 deadhttps://news.google.com/newspapers?id=st4hAAAAIBAJ&pg=2001,546424 Chibi Not A Chibi June 11, 1981 Reading Eagle Reading, Pennsylvania Reading Eagle Company December 5, 2010 Okayama, who attended and played junior varsity basketball at the University of Portland for one and a half years in 1976 as an exchange student, declined to try out for the Warriors and never played in the NBA.https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=vl0hAAAAIBAJ&pg=1243,7882560 7-foot 7 and a judo expert too October 29, 1983 Tri-City Herald Kennewick, Washington The McClatchy Company December 5, 2010 June 29, 2012 https://archive.today/20120629141045/http://news.google.com/newspapers?id=vl0hAAAAIBAJ&sjid=A4YFAAAAIBAJ&pg=1243,7882560 dead He is the tallest person ever drafted and would have been the tallest player in the NBA had he played in the league.http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/basketball/2010/06/19/2010-06-19_former_nba_player_bol_dies_at_age_47.html Former NBA player, humanitarian Manute Bol dies at age 47 June 19, 2010 NY Daily News December 5, 2010 June 29, 2012 https://archive.today/20120629141059/http://articles.nydailynews.com/2010-06-19/sports/27067656_1_sudan-sunrise-sudanese-giant-dinka-tribe dead The San Diego Clippers used their last pick in the draft, the 210th pick, to draft Tony Gwynn, who starred at both baseball and basketball at San Diego State University. Gwynn was also selected in the 1981 MLB draft by the San Diego Padres. He opted to play baseball and ended up playing 20 seasons with the Padres. He received multiple awards and honors during his playing career, is one of only 28 players in MLB history with 3,000 career hits, and was inducted to the Baseball Hall of Fame at his first opportunity in 2007.https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/g/gwynnto01.shtml Tony Gwynn Statistics and History baseball-reference.com December 5, 2010 Kenny Easley, a college football star from the University of California, Los Angeles, was selected by the Chicago Bulls with the 216th pick in the 10th round.https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=p4MsAAAAIBAJ&pg=4220,1971077 Nets Choose UCLA Manager In Draft June 10, 1981 The Spartanburg Herald Spartanburg, South Carolina Public Welfare Foundation December 5, 2010 Easley, who was selected fourth in the 1981 National Football League (NFL) draft by the Seattle Seahawks, played seven seasons with the Seahawks and received several awards and honors before retiring in 1988 due to kidney problems that eventually led to a transplant.https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/E/EaslKe00.htm Kenny Easley Football Statistics pro-football-reference.com December 5, 2010 https://web.archive.org/web/20101030005507/http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/E/EaslKe00.htm 30 October 2010 livehttps://www.nytimes.com/1990/06/09/sports/sports-people-pro-football-new-kidney-for-easley.html New Kidney for Easley June 9, 1990 The New York Times December 5, 2010 Early entrants College underclassmen For the fourth year in a row, no college underclassman would withdraw their entry into the NBA draft. Just like the first time this happened, though, only five total players would officially enter this year's draft under that moniker. Leonel Marquetti would become the first official foreign-born college underclassman to qualify for this rule (in his case, being born Cuban while raised as an American), as previous years only had American-born players that fit the criteria at the time. The following college basketball players successfully applied for early draft entrance.1981 Underclassmen https://www.thedraftreview.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=3028:1981-underclassmen&catid=136&Itemid=384 The Draft Review August 4, 2007 December 13, 2022 USA Mark Aguirre – F, DePaul (junior) CUB/USA Leonel Marquetti – F, Hampton (junior) USA Kenny Page – G, New Mexico (junior) USA Isiah Thomas – G, Indiana (sophomore) USA Buck Williams – F, Maryland (junior) Invited attendees The 1981 NBA draft is considered to be the fourth NBA draft to have utilized what's properly considered the "green room" experience for NBA prospects. The NBA's green room is a staging area where anticipated draftees often sit with their families and representatives, waiting for their names to be called on draft night. Often being positioned either in front of or to the side of the podium (in this case, being positioned in the Grand Hyatt Hotel's Grand BallroomMaurer Matthew 2023-09-16 1981 Green Room Invites - The Draft Review https://www.thedraftreview.com/historical-draft-events/green-room/1981-green-room-invites 2026-07-09 The Draft Review en-us), once a player heard his name, he would walk to the podium to shake hands and take promotional photos with the NBA commissioner. From there, the players often conducted interviews with various media outlets while backstage. However, once the NBA draft started to air nationally on TV starting with the 1980 NBA draft, the green room evolved from players waiting to hear their name called and then shaking hands with these select players who were often called to the hotel to take promotional pictures with the NBA commissioner a day or two after the draft concluded to having players in real-time waiting to hear their names called up and then shaking hands with Larry O'Brien, the NBA's commissioner.Review The Draft 2024-06-18 Error 404 - The Draft Review https://www.thedraftreview.com/404 2026-07-09 The Draft Review en-us The NBA compiled its list of green room invites through collective voting by the NBA's team presidents and general managers alike, which in this year's case belonged to only what they believed were the top 13 prospects at the time.Green Room - The Draft Review https://www.thedraftreview.com/historical-draft-events/green-room 2026-07-09 The Draft Review en-us As such, the following players were invited to attend this year's draft festivities live and in person. USA Mark Aguirre – SG/SF, DePaul USA/PAN Rolando Blackman – SG, Kansas State USA Tom Chambers – PF/C, Utah USA Steve Johnson – PF/C, Oregon State USA Albert King – SG/SF, Maryland USA Danny Schayes – C, Syracuse USA Isiah Thomas – PG, Indiana USA Kelly Tripucka – SG/SF, Notre Dame USA Danny Vranes – PF, Utah USA Buck Williams – PF/C, Maryland USA Herb Williams – PF/C, Ohio State USA Al Wood – SG/SF, North Carolina USA Orlando Woolridge – SF, Notre Dame Notes n See also List of first overall NBA draft picks References General http://www.nba.com/history/draft_round1_1980s.html Complete First Round Results 1980–89 NBA.com Turner Sports Interactive, Inc November 23, 2010 https://web.archive.org/web/20100321192607/http://www.nba.com/history/draft_round1_1980s.html March 21, 2010 dead https://www.basketball-reference.com/draft/NBA_1981.html 1981 NBA Draft basketball-reference.com November 23, 2010 http://www.apbr.org/7781drft.html 1977–1981 NBA Drafts The Association for Professional Basketball Research November 23, 2010 https://web.archive.org/web/20101116183150/http://apbr.org/7781drft.html 16 November 2010 live Specific 30em External links NBA.com NBA.com: NBA Draft History Draft Category:NBA draft NBA draft NBA draft Category:1980s in Manhattan Category:Basketball in New York City Category:Sporting events in New York City Category:Sports in Manhattan