This week’s Throwback Thursday features Kyrie Irving and Tristan Thompson, two cornerstones from the 2011 NBA Draft.

The Cavaliers just opened up their season and title defense with a demonstrative win over the New York Knicks on Tuesday night. The Cavs have all of the pieces in place to make another run at the NBA title.

Two of those cornerstone pieces were taken from the 2011 NBA Draft. Kyrie Irving and Tristan Thompson were taken first and fourth overall in the draft. Other members of that exceptional class included Klay Thompson, Kawhi Leonard, Jonas Valanciunas, Iman Shumpert, and Jimmy Butler.

The 2011 NBA Draft marked the beginning of a new era in Cavs history. It was one filled of optimism but still really bad basketball. Byron Scott was given a roster highlighted by Antwan Jamison and Anthony Parker. The Cavs were bad and finished with a dismal 21-45 record in the lockout shortened season.

While the 2011-2012 season was certainly one to forget, the hope of a new young core of Irving and Thompson was enough to make sure you watched.

Both players made their NBA debut on December 26, 2011. Irving started his first game while Thompson came off of the bench. Irving’s first game was not memorable for the right reasons. He finished with only 6 points on 2 of 12 shooting and had a very tough time finding his shot.

Thompson on the other hand was brilliant. He finished with 12 points and 2 offensive boards in just 17 minutes of action. In that sample size he showed us just how dominant he could be on the glass.