What's the bare minimum for a star player that you can build around?
Do they need a certain build?
Do they have to possess a certain level of athleticism or skill potential?
What makes you think these talents are essential?
I think a lot of people focus on "scoring" but I think the answer is more subtle than that. I think a "star player that you can build around" needs to be a player that packs a 90+ rating in at least three attributes from among the following: Inside (Scoring), Defensive Rebounding, Passing, Blocks, Post Defense, Perimeter Defense, and has at least a 50 rating in Personal Fouls.
Good athleticism (Quickness, Strength, Jumping) are a plus but worthless without those other more foundational attributes.
Scoring, Defensive Rebounding and Passing are "bulk" skills that matter 10+ times per game (compare to just 2-ish steals per game); blocks not only seem to count stats more than steals, but also lower opponents' field goal percentage, and defensive skills are also lowering your opponents' ability to score on every play. A player's free throw shooting and three-point shooting scores don't matter often enough when most guys shoot just a handful of each per game. And of course, we all know a low PFs score means your guy can't stay on the floor.
The other thing I like to pay attention to is a player's actual production - a player's potentials - or scores - might look great, but if it doesn't translate into stats, what does it matter? Especially when evaluating players for "this year" always watch the production, not the stats (or colors). Adrian Dantley last year was a great example - everyone shied away from him for being green/green and yet he averaged 30+ ppg (see
Archives/NPBSL/1987/players/player100.htm) - I don't think he was a star you could build around, but he was certainly a great 2nd or 3rd option.