Any conversation about this summer’s prized free agent class in the NBA starts with three names: LeBron, Wade, Bosh.

There’s a certain mystique to the guys who need only one name. But that’s not all they have in common: all three super-duper stars entered the league via the 2003 NBA Draft. They made up three of the top five picks, along with Carmelo Anthony and Darko Milicic — who was also a free agent this summer before resigning with Minnesota.

Let’s take a look back at this historical draft and see what the teams in the first half of the 2003 lottery might do differently if they were to go back in time.

Actual Draft

1. LeBron James (Cleveland Cavaliers)- King James knew he’d be staying in his home state of Ohio the moment the ping-pong balls were chosen for the draft.

Redo Draft

1. LeBron James (Cle)- They’ll boo him if he leaves, but there’s no way Cleveland goes any other way with this pick.

Actual Draft

2. Darko Milicic (Detroit Pistons)- The word from scouts was that Darko was the next big thing out of Europe. Joe Dumars will wonder “what if?” for years, but who’s to say that they would’ve won the 2004 NBA Championship with a different lineup?

Redo Draft

2. Chris Bosh (Det)- Clearly they wanted to go with size, as to not deter the progress of young SF Tayshaun Prince. Bosh would have meant no mid-season trade for Rasheed Wallace, but he would’ve been a nice complement player to a veteran led team, especially in the front court with Ben Wallace.

Actual Draft

3. Carmelo Anthony (Denver Nuggets)- The Syracuse star left the Orange after one year and a National Championship. He’s had his share of rough patches, but has evolved into one of the toughest matchups in the NBA, as well as a much better leader and teammate.

Redo Draft

3. TRADE: The Nuggets trade the third pick to the Bulls for the seventh pick, Trenton Hassell, and cash. The Bulls use the pick to take their hometown hero, WADE. It alters the Bulls’ future, but Wade thrives in Chicago and brings new life to the “Baby Bulls.”

Actual Draft

4. Chris Bosh (Toronto Raptors)- After just one year at Georgia Tech, the 6-11, athletic, Dallas native was set to be the cornerstone of the franchise. Too bad he’s on his way out.

Redo Draft

4. Carmelo Anthony (Tor)- Anthony comes in and takes over the scoring load for soon-to-be traded Vince Carter. Not sure if this changes Toronto’s fate too much record and production wise, but you can bet he never would’ve signed a five year extension — like he did in Denver — and would be part of this summer’s free agent frenzy.

Actual Draft

5. Dwyane Wade (Miami Heat)- Led his college squad to the Final Four, and saw his draft stock fly during the tournament. Older than the first four picks, but a superstar in the making nonetheless.

Redo Draft

5. Chris Kaman (Miami)- The Heat were ready to sign PF Lamar Odom, so there was a need at center to replace Alonzo Mourning. Believe it or not, Kaman is one of the top seven or so NBA players from this draft.

Actual Draft

6. Chris Kaman (LA Clippers)- The 7-footer stepped in right away to start for former top pick Michael Olowokandi. A tad injury prone, but as I said before, a very productive player.

Redo Draft

6. Kendrick Perkins (LA)- Perkins was drafted 27 overall, but with center being the main need for the Clippers, he looks like the best choice. Having said that, there’s no way he would’ve succeeded in the most jinxed franchise in the NBA.

Actual Draft

7. Kirk Hinrich (Chicago Bulls)- The University of Kansas PG was recently dealt to the Wizards so that the Bulls could have more cap space (in 2010 that is). But he’ll be a good mentor for John Wall to learn from, especially on the defensive end.

Redo Draft

7. TRADE: This pick belongs to Nuggets as a result of their trade with Chicago. With Marcus Camby and Nene making up a strong rebounding/defensive frontcourt, scoring is a definite need. I think the pick here is Josh Howard — another free agent this summer. The ACC Player of the Year fills in where ‘Melo is in the real world, and with Howard and newly acquired Trenton Hassell, Denver has the potential to be a very strong defensive team.

Here are some other notable players from the 2003 draft who are part of the 2010 free agent class (# selected): T.J Ford (8), Luke Ridnour (14), Steve Blake (38), and Kyle Korver (54).

One draft — seven years ago — is indirectly playing a huge role in this summer’s free agent fiasco. Most of these players will end up in different places. Some, like Chris Kaman, are stuck in bad situations in the same city.

At least for now.