Imagine LeBron, Amaré, Parker five years from now

By Ian Thomsen

I could have gone crazy here and put the likes of Yi Jianlian and O.J. Mayo on this list. But there are too many good young players currently in the league who will be championship-ready five years from now. The history of the NBA is that the best players have staying power. Five seasons ago, the All-NBA first team was Tim Duncan, Kevin Garnett, Shaquille O'Neal, Kobe Bryant and Tracy McGrady, and they're still among the dominant players today.

FRONTCOURT SF | LeBron James | Cleveland Cavaliers In five years he'll just be approaching his peak at age 27. Frightening. PF | Amaré Stoudemire | Phoenix Suns Picture him returning to his original position with new-found range -- out to the three-point line -- to go with his colossal explosiveness around the basket both as a finisher and shot-blocker. As a 29-year-old, he'll be an MVP candidate. C | Yao Ming | Houston Rockets Rick Adelman's offense will bring out Yao's skills as a passer, making him impossible to defend. The center position won't go extinct after all. BACKCOURT PG | Tony Parker | San Antonio Spurs Parker was MVP of the Finals as a 25-year-old. Think how good he'll be at 30. SG | Kobe Bryant | Los Angeles Lakers He'll be 33 and as stubborn as Michael Jordan, which is to say he'll still dominate his position. Bryant's championship window will remain open for a long time. COACH Coach | Nate McMillan | Portland Trail Blazers If he can survive the next couple of years with his ultra-young roster, he could develop a Popovichesque relationship with Greg Oden. McMillan has the work ethic, defensive mind-set and integrity to become a championship coach. RESERVES POSITION PLAYER C Greg Oden, Dwight Howard F Chris Bosh, Kevin Durant G Dwyane Wade, Deron Williams, Chris Paul Weigh in with your comments and selections at FanNation.