1981 NBA draft

{{NBA Draft legend|1=y|2=y|3=y|5=y}}

File:Lipofsky Mark Aguirre.jpg was selected first overall by the Dallas Mavericks.]]

File:Isiah Thomas.jpg was selected second overall by the Detroit Pistons.]]

File:Albert king 1975.jpg was selected 10th overall by the New Jersey Nets.]]

File:Danny, calm as always.jpg was selected 31st overall by the Boston Celtics.]]

File:Jay Triano.jpg from 2008 to 2011 and has coached in the NBA since 2002.]]

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| Denver Nuggets

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| {{flagu|United Kingdom}}{{refn|group=n|Way was born in the United Kingdom and raised in the United States. A dual national, he played for the British national team.{{cite web |title=Ralton Way Obituary |url=https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/san-antonio-tx/ralton-way-11753533 |website=Dignity Memorial |access-date=November 19, 2024}}}}

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| Golden State Warriors

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| Kansas City Kings

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| Chicago Bulls

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| New York Knicks

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| Milwaukee Bucks

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| Boston Celtics

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| Philadelphia 76ers

| Delaware {{small|(Sr.)}}

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{{further|List of undrafted NBA players}}

These players were not selected in the 1981 draft but played at least one game in the NBA.

The following trades involving drafted players were made on the day of the draft.

• {{note label|NoteA|A|A 1}}{{note label|NoteA|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.{{cite web|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/b/blumera01.html|title=Ray Blume Statistics|work=basketball-reference.com|access-date=December 7, 2010}}

Prior to the day of the draft, the following trades were made and resulted in exchanges of picks between the teams.

• {{note label|Note1|a|a 1}}{{note label|Note1|a|2}}{{note label|Note1|a|3}}{{note label|Note1|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.{{cite web|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/w/woodal01.html|title=Al Wood Statistics|work=basketball-reference.com|access-date=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.{{cite web|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/r/ranseke01.html|title=Kelvin Ransey Statistics|work=basketball-reference.com|access-date=December 7, 2010}} Previously, the Blazers acquired the pick on February 8, 1980, from the Philadelphia 76ers in exchange for Lionel Hollins.{{cite web|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/h/hollili01.html|title=Lionel Hollins Statistics|work=basketball-reference.com|access-date=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.{{cite web|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/f/furlote01.html|title=Terry Furlow Statistics|work=basketball-reference.com|access-date=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.
• {{note label|Note2|b|b}} On January 4, 1978, the Seattle SuperSonics acquired a first-round pick from the Utah Jazz in exchange for Slick Watts.{{cite web|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/w/wattssl01.html|title=Slick Watts Statistics|work=basketball-reference.com|access-date=December 7, 2010}} The Sonics used the pick to draft Danny Vranes.
• {{note label|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.{{cite web|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/m/meriwjo01.html|title=Joe Meriweather Statistics|work=basketball-reference.com|access-date=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.{{cite web|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/s/sheltlo01.html|title=Lonnie Shelton Statistics|work=basketball-reference.com|access-date=December 7, 2010}} The Kings used the pick to draft Steve Johnson.
• {{note label|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.{{cite web|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/v/vandeki01.html|title=Kiki Vandeweghe Statistics|work=basketball-reference.com|access-date=December 7, 2010}} The Mavericks used the pick to draft Rolando Blackman.
• {{note label|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.{{cite web|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/l/lucasma01.html|title=Maurice Lucas Statistics|work=basketball-reference.com|access-date=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.{{cite web|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/t/townsra01.html|title=Raymond Townsend Statistics|work=basketball-reference.com|access-date=December 7, 2010}} The Nets used the pick to draft Albert King.
• {{note label|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.{{cite web|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/d/douglle01.html|title=Leon Douglas Statistics|work=basketball-reference.com|access-date=December 7, 2010}} The Pistons used the pick to draft Kelly Tripucka.
• {{note label|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.
• {{note label|Note8|h|h 1}}{{note label|Note8|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.{{cite web|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/e/edwarja01.html|title=James Edwards Statistics|work=basketball-reference.com|access-date=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.{{cite web|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/w/wedmasc01.html|title=Scott Wedman Statistics|work=basketball-reference.com|access-date=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.{{cite web|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/s/smithra01.html|title=Randy Smith Statistics|work=basketball-reference.com|access-date=December 7, 2010| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20101204233307/http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/s/smithra01.html| archive-date= 4 December 2010 | url-status= live}} The Kings used the pick to draft Kevin Loder. The Pacers used the pick to draft Ray Blume.
• {{note label|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.{{cite web|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/j/johnsge02.html|title=George Johnson Statistics|work=basketball-reference.com|access-date=December 7, 2010}} The Nets used the pick to draft Ray Tolbert.
• {{note label|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.{{cite web|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/f/fordch01.html|title=Chris Ford Statistics|work=basketball-reference.com|access-date=December 7, 2010}} The Celtics used the pick to draft Tracy Jackson.
• {{note label|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.{{cite web|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/j/johnscl01.html|title=Clemon Johnson Statistics|work=basketball-reference.com|access-date=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.{{cite web|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/w/willijo01.html|title=John Williamson Statistics|work=basketball-reference.com|access-date=December 7, 2010}} The Blazers used the pick to draft Brian Jackson.
• {{note label|Note12|l|l 1}}{{note label|Note12|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.{{cite web|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/k/kenonla01.html|title=Larry Kenon Statistics|work=basketball-reference.com|access-date=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.{{cite web|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/a/awtrede01.html|title=Dennis Awtrey Statistics|work=basketball-reference.com|access-date=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.{{cite web|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/l/landsma01.html|title=Mark Landsberger Statistics|work=basketball-reference.com|access-date=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.{{cite web|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/c/carrke01.html|title=Kenny Carr Statistics|work=basketball-reference.com|access-date=December 8, 2010}} The Spurs used the picks to draft Gene Banks and Ed Rains.
• {{note label|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.{{cite web|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/b/burleto01.html|title=Tom Burleson Statistics|work=basketball-reference.com|access-date=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.{{cite web|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/l/leero01.html|title=Ron Lee Statistics|work=basketball-reference.com|access-date=December 8, 2010}} The Kings used the pick to draft Eddie Johnson.
• {{note label|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.{{cite web|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/a/architi01.html|title=Tiny Archibald Statistics|work=basketball-reference.com|access-date=December 8, 2010}} The Celtics used the pick to draft Danny Ainge.
• {{note label|Note15|o|o}} On June 9, 1980, the Chicago Bulls acquired a second-round pick from the Denver Nuggets in exchange for Cedrick Hordges.{{cite web|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/h/hordgce01.html|title=Cedrick Hordges Statistics|work=basketball-reference.com|access-date=December 8, 2010}} The Bulls used the pick to draft Mike Olliver.
• {{note label|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.{{cite web|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/r/rulanje01.html|title=Jeff Ruland Statistics|work=basketball-reference.com|access-date=December 8, 2010}} The Warriors used the pick to draft Sam Williams.
• {{note label|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.{{cite web|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/k/kingbe01.html|title=Bernard King Statistics|work=basketball-reference.com|access-date=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.{{cite web|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/s/smithro01.html|title=Robert Smith Statistics|work=basketball-reference.com|access-date=December 11, 2010}} The Nuggets used the pick to draft Ken Green.
• {{note label|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.{{cite web|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/h/hayesel01.html|title=Elvin Hayes Statistics|work=basketball-reference.com|access-date=December 11, 2010}} The Bullets used the pick to draft Charles Davis.
• {{note label|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.{{cite web|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/r/robinwa01.html|title=Wayne Robinson Statistics|work=basketball-reference.com|access-date=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.{{cite web|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/b/breweji01.html|title=Jim Brewer Statistics|work=basketball-reference.com|access-date=December 11, 2010}} The Lakers used the pick to draft Harvey Knuckles.
• {{note label|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.{{cite web|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/c/corzida01.html|title=Dave Corzine Statistics|work=basketball-reference.com|access-date=December 11, 2010}} The Bullets used the pick to draft Claude Gregory.
• {{note label|Note21|u|u}} On June 9, 1980, the Dallas Mavericks acquired a second-round pick from the Phoenix Suns in exchange for Wiley Peck.{{cite web|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/p/peckwi01.html|title=Wiley Peck Statistics|work=basketball-reference.com|access-date=December 11, 2010}} The Mavericks used the pick to draft Elston Turner.
• {{note label|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.{{cite web|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/b/birdsot01.html|title=Otis Birdsong Statistics|work=basketball-reference.com|access-date=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.{{cite web|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/e/elmorle01.html|title=Len Elmore Statistics|work=basketball-reference.com|access-date=December 11, 2010}} The Bullets used the pick to draft Steve Lingenfelter.
• {{note label|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.{{cite web|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/k/kunneke01.html|title=Kevin Kunnert Statistics|work=basketball-reference.com|access-date=December 11, 2010}} The Rockets used the pick to draft Ed Turner.
• {{note label|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.{{cite web|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/r/robisda01.html|title=Dave Robisch Statistics|work=basketball-reference.com|access-date=December 11, 2010}} The Cavaliers used the pick to draft Mickey Dillard.
• {{note label|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.{{cite web|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/c/cleamji01.html|title=Jim Cleamons Statistics|work=basketball-reference.com|access-date=December 11, 2010}} The Knicks used the pick to draft Frank Brickowski.
• {{note label|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.{{cite web|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/w/whiteru01.html|title=Rudy White Statistics|work=basketball-reference.com|access-date=December 11, 2010}} The Warriors used the pick to draft Lewis Lloyd.
• {{note label|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.{{cite web|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/c/crompge01.html|title=Geoff Crompton Statistics|work=basketball-reference.com|access-date=December 11, 2010}} The Kings used the pick to draft Kenny Dennard.

Isiah Thomas is the only player from this draft who has been inducted to the Basketball Hall of Fame.{{cite web|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/awards/hof.html|title=Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame Inductees|work=basketball-reference.com|access-date=December 5, 2010| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20101205010924/http://www.basketball-reference.com/awards/hof.html| archive-date= 5 December 2010 | url-status= live}} He was also named in the 50 Greatest Players in NBA History list announced at the league's 50th anniversary in 1996.{{cite web|url=http://www.nba.com/history/50greatest.html|title=The NBA's 50 Greatest Players|work=NBA.com|publisher=Turner Sports Interactive, Inc|access-date=December 5, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100405004357/http://www.nba.com/history/50greatest.html|archive-date=April 5, 2010|url-status=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.{{cite web|url=http://www.nba.com/history/players/thomas_bio.html|title=Isiah Thomas Bio|work=NBA.com|publisher=Turner Sports Interactive, Inc|access-date=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.{{cite web|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/coaches/thomais01c.html|title=Isiah Thomas Coaching Record|work=basketball-reference.com|access-date=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.{{cite web|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/a/aguirma01.html|title=Isiah Thomas Statistics|work=basketball-reference.com|access-date=December 5, 2010| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20101115185053/http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/a/aguirma01.html| archive-date= 15 November 2010 | url-status= 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.{{cite web|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/c/chambto01.html|title=Tom Chambers Statistics|work=basketball-reference.com|access-date=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.{{cite web|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/j/johnsst03.html|title=Steve Johnson Statistics|work=basketball-reference.com|access-date=December 5, 2010}}{{cite web|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/b/blackro01.html|title=Rolando Blackman Statistics|work=basketball-reference.com|access-date=December 5, 2010}}{{cite web|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/t/tripuke01.html|title=Kelly Tripucka Statistics|work=basketball-reference.com|access-date=December 5, 2010}}{{cite web|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/n/nancela01.html|title=Larry Nance Statistics|work=basketball-reference.com|access-date=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.{{cite web|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/j/johnsed03.html|title=Eddie Johnson Statistics|work=basketball-reference.com|access-date=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.{{cite web|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/coaches/aingeda01c.html |title=Danny Ainge Coaching Record |work=basketball-reference.com |access-date=December 5, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101223091804/http://www.basketball-reference.com/coaches/aingeda01c.html |archive-date=December 23, 2010 }}{{cite web|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/coaches/johnsfr01c.html|title=Frank Johnson Coaching Record|work=basketball-reference.com|access-date=December 5, 2010}}{{cite web|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/coaches/willihe01c.html |title=Herb Williams Coaching Record |work=basketball-reference.com |access-date=December 5, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010211134020/http://www.nba.com/playerfile/bio/herb_williams.html |archive-date=February 11, 2001 }}{{cite web|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/coaches/trianja99c.html|title=Jay Triano Coaching Record|work=basketball-reference.com|access-date=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 {{convert|7|ft|8|in|m}} and {{convert|330|lb|kg}}.{{cite web|url=http://www.nba.com/draft2003/draft_oddities_030619.html|title=Draft Oddities|first=Randy|last=Kim|date=June 19, 2003|work=NBA.com|publisher=Turner Sports Interactive, Inc|access-date=December 5, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101202215648/http://www.nba.com/draft2003/draft_oddities_030619.html|archive-date=2 December 2010|url-status=dead}}{{cite news|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=st4hAAAAIBAJ&pg=2001,546424|title=Chibi Not A Chibi|date=June 11, 1981|newspaper=Reading Eagle|location=Reading, Pennsylvania|publisher=Reading Eagle Company|access-date=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.{{cite news|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=vl0hAAAAIBAJ&pg=1243,7882560|title=7-foot 7 and a judo expert too|date=October 29, 1983|newspaper=Tri-City Herald|location=Kennewick, Washington|publisher=The McClatchy Company|access-date=December 5, 2010|archive-date=June 29, 2012|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120629141045/http://news.google.com/newspapers?id=vl0hAAAAIBAJ&sjid=A4YFAAAAIBAJ&pg=1243,7882560|url-status=dead}} He is the tallest person ever drafted and would have been the tallest player in the NBA had he played in the league.{{cite web|url=http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/basketball/2010/06/19/2010-06-19_former_nba_player_bol_dies_at_age_47.html|title=Former NBA player, humanitarian Manute Bol dies at age 47|date=June 19, 2010|work=NY Daily News|access-date=December 5, 2010|archive-date=June 29, 2012|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120629141059/http://articles.nydailynews.com/2010-06-19/sports/27067656_1_sudan-sunrise-sudanese-giant-dinka-tribe|url-status=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 {{bhofy|2007}}.{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/g/gwynnto01.shtml|title=Tony Gwynn Statistics and History|work=baseball-reference.com|access-date=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.{{cite news|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=p4MsAAAAIBAJ&pg=4220,1971077|title=Nets Choose UCLA Manager In Draft|date=June 10, 1981|newspaper=The Spartanburg Herald|location=Spartanburg, South Carolina|publisher=Public Welfare Foundation|access-date=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.{{cite web|url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/E/EaslKe00.htm|title=Kenny Easley Football Statistics|work=pro-football-reference.com|access-date=December 5, 2010| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20101030005507/http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/E/EaslKe00.htm| archive-date= 30 October 2010 | url-status= live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1990/06/09/sports/sports-people-pro-football-new-kidney-for-easley.html|title=New Kidney for Easley|date=June 9, 1990|work=The New York Times |access-date=December 5, 2010}}

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.{{cite web |title=1981 Underclassmen |url=https://www.thedraftreview.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=3028:1981-underclassmen&catid=136&Itemid=384 |website=The Draft Review | date=August 4, 2007 |access-date=December 13, 2022}}

{{div col}}

• {{flagicon|USA}} Mark Aguirre – F, DePaul (junior)
• {{flagicon|CUB}}/{{flagicon|USA}} Leonel Marquetti – F, Hampton (junior)
• {{flagicon|USA}} Kenny Page – G, New Mexico (junior)
• {{flagicon|USA}} Isiah Thomas – G, Indiana (sophomore)
• {{flagicon|USA}} Buck Williams – F, Maryland (junior)

{{div col end}}

{{reflist|group=n}}

• List of first overall NBA draft picks

;General

{{refbegin}}

• {{cite web|url=http://www.nba.com/history/draft_round1_1980s.html|title=Complete First Round Results 1980–89|work=NBA.com|publisher=Turner Sports Interactive, Inc|access-date=November 23, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100321192607/http://www.nba.com/history/draft_round1_1980s.html|archive-date=March 21, 2010|url-status=dead}}
• {{cite web|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/draft/NBA_1981.html|title=1981 NBA Draft|work=basketball-reference.com|access-date=November 23, 2010}}
• {{cite web|url=http://www.apbr.org/7781drft.html|title=1977–1981 NBA Drafts|publisher=The Association for Professional Basketball Research|access-date=November 23, 2010| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20101116183150/http://apbr.org/7781drft.html| archive-date= 16 November 2010 | url-status= live}}

{{refend}}

;Specific

{{Reflist|30em}}

• [http://www.nba.com/ NBA.com]
• [https://web.archive.org/web/20090315112610/http://www.nba.com/history/draft_index.html NBA.com: NBA Draft History]

{{NBA Drafts}}

{{NBA Draft history by team}}

{{1981 NBA draft}}

{{1981–82 NBA season by team}}

{{NBA on USA}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:1981 Nba Draft}}

Draft

Category:NBA draft

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Category:1980s in Manhattan

Category:Basketball in New York City

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