Editor's note: With the NBA's free-agent period underway, ESPN's Fred Carter identifies the cream of the talent crop.

	Kidd

1. Jason Kidd. Doesn't it go without saying? Kidd is a future Hall of Famer and can lead your offense without scoring a point. There's no more proof needed of his importance to a team than the fact that he led the Nets to the NBA Finals two consecutive years. Kidd's leadership skills are second to none. He has the ability to lead on and off the court and would be a welcome addition to any team in the league.

	O' Neal

2. Jermaine O'Neal. What youth. What talent. At only 24 years old, O'Neal averaged 20.8 points, 10.3 rebounds and 2.3 blocks per game last season. And he's only getting better. During the Pacers' six-game, first-round loss to the Celtics, O'Neal averaged 22.8 points, 17.5 rebounds and three blocks. Those are amazing numbers and show that he has not reached the ceiling on his immense talent. The seven-year veteran will be pursued by every team with the money to sign him and some without the cash, but he'll probably stay with the Pacers and try to lead them to the mountain top.

	Payton

3. Gary Payton. An obvious Hall of Famer, Payton is the second Oakland-bred baller to appear on this list and a close second to Kidd. Payton is the consummate point guard. He can shoot lights out when needed, direct an offense and play stifling defense. He's another player who would be a welcome addition to any team in the league. He may be playing for a championship if he's place in the right position.

	Malone

4. Karl Mailman. The Mailman will continue delivering in Utah. His quest to become the all-time leading scorer in NBA history will dictate his staying with the Jazz. There's no other team who will allow him the chance to win and still score at the pace he needs to break the record in a reasonable amount of time.

	Mourning

5. Alonzo Mourning. What a wonderful story it will be when 'Zo steps back on the floor next season. It's a shame that it probably won't be with the Heat, a team that seems to have made a conscious decision to go young. Mourning would be a perfect fit with the Mavericks to give them the inside presence they're lacking. Or he could go to the Spurs to replace David Robinson. Or he could pair up with Shaquille O'Neal in Los Angeles. Anyway it goes, 'Zo could be in a championship series next season.