Brewer, Green headline draft's small forward group

	Solid on-the-ball defense is just part of the package of skills Corey Brewer offers. Rex Brown/WireImage.com
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It's been said that timing is everything in life. Because it seems every franchise is desperate for its own versatile, astonishingly athletic, medium-sized player to compete with the likes of Kobe Bryant, Shawn Marion, Vince Carter, Josh Howard and Tracy McGrady, those who fit that description available in the 2007 NBA Draft should have few worries Thursday night.

The problem is there just aren't enough spectacular swingman types to go around. Oh, there are certainly a few specialists in this category, like sweet-shooting Demetris Nichols of Syracuse or superb shot-blocker Stephane Lasme of Massachusetts. But if you are looking for immediate all-around, both-ends-of-the-court impact, you might be limited to a list containing just two names: Corey Brewer of Florida and Jeff Green of Georgetown.

Most NBA scouts believe players like Julian Wright of Kansas, Al Thornton of Florida State, Thaddeus Young of Georgia Tech and Derrick Byars of Vanderbilt will be solid, long-term NBA contributors. And there are actually several small forwards likely to be picked in the second round who should have no problems carving out a spot in the league. But to compete on even ground with the wondrous talents of the All-Stars named above, Brewer and Green are this draft's best bets to reach stardom.

1. Corey Brewer, 6-8, 185 pounds, Jr., Florida
It's easy to marvel at Brewer's ability to influence the game from just about anywhere on the court. Whether he is slashing past a defender to the basket, finding a teammate with a creative skip pass or getting yet another deflection by reading his opponent's thoughts, Brewer seems ubiquitous. It would be easy to attribute this quality purely to his athleticism, but that would be a mistake. Brewer has put in the time and sweat equity to metamorphose into a player some compare to a young Scottie Pippen. There is an excellent chance, when all is said and done, that Brewer might be the third-best player in this draft, although he isn't likely to be drafted third.

2. Jeff Green, 6-9, 228, Jr., Georgetown
When the worst thing demanding NBA scouts can say about you is that you are too unselfish and they would like to see you take over games more often, you can feel pretty good about yourself. Green is one of the taller players you'll ever see described as a point forward, but he averaged 3.1 assists per game in college and has both the desire and skill to become a premier passing forward. The type of player Green becomes will be dictated by what his team needs, because he's got the ability to do it all.

3. Julian Wright, 6-8½, 211, So., Kansas
It says a lot about the negativity of most NBA talent evaluators when what you hear most about Wright is the questionable range on his jump shot. Wright, who will eventually play comfortably in the NBA at 230 pounds, can change games without even scoring a basket. He's a factor on the boards, an able help defender who will notch a key steal or block, and he runs the court like a guard. Wright turned 20 last month. His best basketball is a ways off, but he can help a team right now while he's still developing.