Danny Ainge emerged from his bunker yesterday to offer his thoughts on tomorrow night's NBA draft. The unavoidable conclusion: He may have his own ideas, but with one day left to go, things are fluid, even volatile.

''I'm hopeful it will go a certain way,'' the Celtics basketball boss said. ''I have a Plan A. I'm hopeful Plan A works.''

Ainge would not divulge the nature of Plan A -- surprise -- but it's also not hard to take a look at his roster, listen to his thoughts about the team, and arrive at some reasonable possibilities. The Celtics will be picking 16th and 20th, barring a trade. Ainge said he has explored moving up; so far, to no avail.

Ainge and the Celtics could be looking for help from four possible types of player: a tested collegian, an intriguing European, a raw high schooler, and -- the most unknown of all -- the attractive slider. Here's a look at four players who might be there for the Celtics at 16 or 20 and, based on discussions with NBA personnel, players the team might consider.