The players who followed him came from all around the globe.

The Cleveland Cavaliers chose Irving with the first pick in a draft stacked with internationals, believing his foot is healthy enough to lead the rebuilding effort following LeBron James’ departure.

 
Loudly cheered by family and friends not far from where he starred at St. Patrick’s High School in Elizabeth, Irving showed no signs of the toe injury on his right foot that limited him to 11 games last season as he walked up the stairs to shake hands with Commissioner David Stern.

“I didn’t have any doubts about going to No. 1. I was looking to the organization to pick who they felt was the right choice,” Irving said. “But now to this moment, from being a fan of the NBA draft and now being drafted, it’s a special feeling in my heart and knowing that my friends and family were together, it’s a memory I’m going to remember for the rest of my life.”

Three of the first six players selected were from Europe, capitalising on the absence of several American collegiate players who could have filled their positions and made this a stronger draft. The lottery picked four overseas players who did not attend a college in the United States for the first time.

Even Irving has international connections. He was born in Australia, where his father, Drederick, played professionally, and he expressed interest in playing for the Australian national team.

After selecting him with the first pick since James in 2003, the Cavaliers used the fourth pick on Texas forward Tristan Thompson. They became the first club since the 1983 Houston Rockets to have two top-four picks.The Minnesota Timberwolves selected Arizona forward Derrick Williams with the second pick. The Utah Jazz then selected Turkish big man Enes Kanter third in their first of two lottery picks.

The league’s precarious labour situation lingered over the draft, potentially weakening it. Potential top-10 choices like Ohio State’s Jared Sullinger and Harrison Barnes chose to continue in school despite not knowing when their rookie seasons would begin.Stern, who might lock out his players next week if a new collective bargaining agreement is not struck, was booed as he took the stage at the Prudential Centre, which is hosting the draft while Madison Square Garden is closed for the summer.

New Yorkers travelled across the river, cheering loudly when Kemba Walker and Jimmer Fredette were selected in the top ten and booed when the Knicks chose Georgia Tech player Iman Shumpert at No. 17.

The draft was riddled with questions, with several unknown European players anticipated to make the first round. Kanter hasn’t played competitively in a year, having to sit out last season at Kentucky after being declared ineligible for getting paid to play in Turkey.

Toronto selected Lithuania’s Jonas Valanciunas fifth, and Washington selected Czech Republic’s Jan Vesely sixth.

“Basketball in my country is not so popular, but after this night, I think — I hope — that the basketball will be more popular,” Vesely said. “I will do my best to help that.”Bismack Biyombo of Congo went seventh to Sacramento — a pick that will be traded — as the record of nine international first-round picks in 2003 quickly became threatened. The 18-year-old forward will end up in Charlotte as part of a three-way deal agreed to earlier that also included Milwaukee, a person familiar with the deal Thursday.

Kentucky’s Brandon Knight went eighth to Detroit as common fans finally heard a name they recognized again. He was followed by Walker of national champion Connecticut to Charlotte and NCAA scoring champion Fredette of BYU — both New Yorkers who were loudly cheered after their names were called. Walker, the Final Four Most Outstanding Player, wiped away tears on the draft stage.

“It’s been like a movie. This whole year has been magical, honestly,” Walker said. “So many different, crazy things have been happening to me, and you know, I just feel lucky.”

If the three-team trade goes through, Milwaukee will relocate Fredette to Sacramento.

Irving is the third point guard selected first in the last four years, following Derrick Rose in 2008 and John Wall last year. Rose was named the NBA’s MVP this season, ending James’ two-year hegemony.

Irving claims he is not attempting to replace James, whose highlights were booed when shown on the overhead screen, in a new way now.

“I’m looking forward to getting to Cleveland,” Irving stated. “It’s a big sports town, and I can’t wait to embrace all of the supporters and their support. “I can’t wait!”

Kansas brothers Markieff and Marcus Morris made back-to-back picks to complete the lottery. Markieff was selected by Phoenix at number 13, and Marcus went on to join the Rockets.