NBA Draft 2012: Highlighting Most Versatile Players Available

NBA scouts have no shortage of expectations on the check lists they use to evaluate talent in anticipation of June 28's draft—but a prospect's versatility certainly ranks atop those priorities.

Just how important is it?

Important enough that Baylor's Perry Jones III is re-branding himself as not just another power forward with above-average mobility. According to Sports Illustrated's Sam Amick, Jones is making a concerted effort to showcase his scoring ability and the kind of athleticism that would allow him to excel on the wing:

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Despite being seen as a power forward during his prep days and two collegiate seasons (a face-up four with the ability to go inside, to be more specific), Jones' small forward skills are being emphasized now in an attempt to make him even more marketable to the many talent evaluators who no longer see him as a top-five pick like they did a year ago.

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Jones may indeed be precisely the kind of one-stop shopping experience front offices are looking for on draft day. Given the extent to which a team's needs may change in the first years of a player's pro career, versatility can make players considerably more attractive.

That could be the difference between Jones being selected among the top five picks or falling to the bottom of the lottery. He's got premium length and size, and he has the potential to be the best inside-outside front-court scorer in the draft.

Here are some other first-rounders who will impress with their abilities to do a little bit of everything.

Anthony Davis–PF, Kentucky

There's a lot to like about Davis besides his versatility, but don't let that fool you. This guy can guard centers and forwards of every stripe. To hear Davis explain it, even Kobe Bryant will be fair game for his defensive aptitude (via LA Times).

Davis is by no means the most well-rounded scorer in the draft, at least not yet. With a consistent mid-range jumper, he could become extremely difficult to stop. Most of the players assigned to stop Davis will either be a step slower or a bit shorter.

Terrence Jones–F, Kentucky

You could probably add Kentucky's Michael Kidd-Gilchrist to this list as well, but it's Davis other front-court partner that may have the draft's most eclectic game. Jones has the frame and athletic ability to play at either forward position, and he has the skills to impact both ends of the floor.

The 6'9" lefty has a monstrous wingspan and the mix of passing and scoring tendencies that stand out among front-court players. He started his high-school career as a point guard, and he hasn't lost those multidimensional instincts. 

Andre Drummond–C, UConn

Though he lacks a record of consistency, Drummond has the potential to be one of the game's most unguardable big men. He could be the next Dwight Howard (only with a jump-shot), or he could be the next Kwame Brown. It's rare to see big men with such a combination of finesse and explosiveness, so Drummond at his best could be stretch the defensive ability of power forwards and centers for years to come.