If Diego Maradona played basketball: small forward, rated 84

Diego Maradona as a basketball player: scouting report

Against England at the 1986 World Cup, Diego Maradona picked up the ball inside his own half and dribbled past defender after defender before rounding the goalkeeper, a run later voted the Goal of the Century in a FIFA poll. That run is a scouting report on its own. He would play small forward and attack the lane off the bounce, keeping the ball glued to him through traffic. His basketball IQ is the top mark on his card and his athleticism is right behind it.

He won the Golden Ball as the best player of that tournament as Argentina lifted the trophy, then led Napoli to the first two league titles in the club's history. His playmaking is nearly as strong as his burst, so when the help defense collapses he finds the open shooter instead of forcing a tough finish. FIFA named him a Player of the Century, an honor he shared with Pele. His defense grades out well too; he competes on both ends and his quick hands would produce plenty of steals.

Rebounding is the honest weak spot, the lowest mark on his card. He would rather grab a loose ball and go than fight bigger players under the rim, so he needs a strong rebounder beside him. Shooting guard and point guard are both close fits, which makes him one of the most flexible perimeter players in the draft: he can initiate the offense, play off a lead guard or finish on the wing. Take him early, surround him with shooters who make the defense pay for helping, and let him go to work.

Plays like An explosive slashing wing who dribbles straight through crowds

Put Diego Maradona in your lineup

8 rolls, a starting five and a bench, 82 games. Can you go 82-0? Free, no account.