We start with Earvin Johnson. A fantastic player who could, virtually, play all five positions. Maybe playing center would be a stretch, but he is so talented and versatile that why not. So far he has been playing as a point guard, but his size will allow him to switch positions constantly. He has a great feel for the game, makes most of the time the right play and can lead his team both in assists and rebounds. He is a triple-double menace every game. Any team could benefit from his talent, so there will be no surprise if he is selected first overall next June.
Second on our list is Michael Finley. Listed as a shooting guard he could play spot minutes both at small forward and point guard. Finley's calling card is scoring, but he is way more than that. He is an underrated defender, probably because his shooting and ability to score the ball get the headlines. Not only that, but he does a good job on the boards and avoids getting into foul trouble. If there is someone who can challenge Johnson for the first overall selection, that is Finley. However, and unlike Johnson, he may need to be on the right team.
A highly successful prototype nowadays is the defensive specialist with the ability to hit three-pointers at a good rate. In that mold comes Shane Battier. He has the size to play both shooting guard and small forward, although his handles would need a bit of improvement to play full time at the two. He is a strong player who never loses sight of his opponent. He does all the hard work and avoids making fouls. And when he is open, he can knock down three pointers, helping his team to spread the floor. He may not be one of the first players drafted, but he is going to make some team very happy.
Next up in our list is Jonathan Bender, an athletic forward with great potential. A bit raw compared to the other players on this list, scouts believe Bender can grow into a very good player. He can score the ball and play defense, can develop good enough handles to be a threat driving to the basket and his shooting mechanics seem to be heading in the right direction. He also does a good job on the glass and avoids getting into foul trouble.
We close our list with Boris Diaw. Probably not a player you think when you see the full list of players declaring for this year's draft. He is not a dominant player or the best at any specific skill. However, he is the complete package (at a different level than Johnson, though). He can be a point forward, a perimeter defender, and outside shooter or a post player, depending on what the situation calls for. The most likely scenario is that he is selected outside the lottery, but he projects to have a long and successful career as a team player.
