Michael Ventre

For armchair hoop enthusiasts, selecting the NBA draft's top player is relatively simple, because there is a momentum in the media that surges toward one candidate, perhaps two. That wave of public opinion is generated by scouting reports, past performances in college, pundits’ two cents’ worth and showcase moments in the NCAA tournament. Last year it was either Greg Oden or Kevin Durant. This year it’ll be Michael Beasley or Derrick Rose.

But pretend you were starting a team and all the players in the NBA were suddenly available. Maybe this occurred because of either a nuclear holocaust or a ton of clerical errors.

If you had to pick one player to build a team around, who would it be?

With that in mind, here are some of the top candidates to ponder. After the contestants for this honor have been listed, the winner will be identified (Hint: He has tattoos):

Kobe Bryant
The reigning MVP. He is considered by most to be the NBA's best player, though his OT performance in Game 4 against Utah might have cost him a vote or two. Over the years, he has been phenomenally clutch. He has had periods of selfishness, which might scare off any make-believe general manager. But this year he has been a team player first. If you need a big shot, he’ll take it, and usually make it. He’s good for as many points as you need him to be good for, but he can also pass, rebound and play defense. Downside: Although he’s only 29, he has 12 full seasons of NBA wear and tear on him.

LeBron James
He’s only 23. He’s a strong 6-foot-8 and is fearless. He has struggled at times in this current series with Boston, but remember that his heroics were the reason the Cavs advanced to last year’s NBA Finals. He is respected around the league (well, maybe not in Washington, D.C.), he’s an outstanding scorer, rebounder and passer, and is the kind of leader that can inspire his teammates. He’s also charismatic and personable, which helps when you’re trying to work the refs or trying to persuade free agents to join your club.

Chris Paul
Obviously, an incredible talent. He has been special since he came into the league in 2005, but this was his breakout year in terms of MVP consideration. His scoring, passing and dazzling penetration make him almost impossible to guard. Many feel the idea of building around a big man is passé, and that the modern model of a successful pro basketball team should be built around a point guard. If that’s the case, he’s the tops.

Dwight Howard

Special feature The class of 2008 See images of the top NBA prospects in the 2008 draft, like O.J. Mayo and Michael Beasley. NBCSports.com

On the other side of that coin is the Magic’s Howard, an unstoppable force down low. He can control the glass, but his scariest contributions come as a shot-blocker, and by extension a shot-dissuader. Defense still wins championships — just ask the Phoenix Suns — and when you have an intimidating presence like Howard who also happens to have solid offensive skills, that’s a reliable foundation.

Deron Williams
He doesn’t get the kind of attention that has been lavished on Paul, but he is in Paul’s league when it comes to playing the point. Because he performs in Utah, which is not a media beehive, his exploits are often overlooked. He is a pressure player who makes smart decisions and is splendid at getting the ball to open teammates. He’s averaging 21 points and almost 10 assists a game in these playoffs. Like his counterpart in New Orleans, he’s a good character guy and a competitor.

Those are the top five. But just like MVP tallies, there is always the category entitled, “Other players receiving votes.” In this case, they include:

Greg Oden

Slide show The second season Slide show: Top images from the 2008 NBA playoffs. NBCSports.com

Yes, I know. He hasn’t played yet for the Portland Trail Blazers. But if he’s the kind of center everybody thought he’d be coming out of Ohio State, he’s definitely a player you would want to build around.

Tony Parker
He turns 26 on Saturday and is a world-class point guard right there with Paul and Williams.

Carmelo Anthony
Right now he’s looked upon as a knucklehead. But if he matures soon — admittedly a big “if” — he can carry a team on his back with his ability to put the ball through the hoop, especially at crucial moments.

Brandon Roy
Smart, young, level-headed, gifted versatile guard who made a seamless transition to the NBA and still has lots of upside.

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