Sam Smith

So where is this 2008 NBA draft going to rank? With 2003, the class of LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, Chris Bosh and Carmelo Anthony, the foundation for this decade? Perhaps off the top another amazing one-two punch like 1992 with Shaquille O'Neal and Alonzo Mourning? Or maybe the big one, like 1984 with Hakeem Olajuwon, Michael Jordan, Charles Barkley and John Stockton.

We knew about Olajuwon and figured Jordan. But Barkley? And then Stockton?

There was Shaq and Zo in 1992, but at No. 11 in that draft was Robert Horry with more championship rings than O'Neal and Mourning combined, though not necessarily of his own causation. And way down at No. 24 Latrell Sprewell, who had an exceptional NBA career until he had to head home and feed his family. And while we all knew about James and Anthony, we didn't have much idea of Bosh and Wade.

And so now we know about Greg Oden and Kevin Durant. They are the real thing. They're going to be terrific, certain stars of the NBA future.

But who are the gems we aren't talking about yet?

Not that he will fall far from the tree of Oden/Durant celebrity, but marker in Al Horford, the Florida power forward, for a big time NBA career. Karl Malone? Who, by the way, was a 13th pick in 1985.

Horford is the son of former NBA player Tito Horford, who was often the subject of jokes for his brief career. No one will laugh about his kid, a classic power forward in size, a hard worker with a good demeanor, a player who probably could step into the starting lineups of most NBA teams by next season. He's the only other true so called "can't miss" player in the first round, a player who will likely go third, or at worst, fourth in the first round right after Oden and Durant.

And, by the way, Portland should give up this charade. There's not a executive in the NBA who wouldn't take Oden first given talent and character. The kid comes off to NBA types as a winner you can build around for a decade.

From there, it's not nearly as certain.

The consensus favorite is Oden's teammate, point guard Mike Conley. He appears to be a born leader, a player who can get anywhere on the floor with the ball, which is crucial in the NBA game now with firmer rules about perimeter player. But his shot remains a question, which is why some say Texas A&M point guard Acie Law could rule. He has the maturity to run a team, is a solid 6-3 ½ with shoes, about three inches taller than Conley, and is a tough defender. And he shot almost 46 percent on threes last season.

Another guy to watch out for is Horford's Florida teammate . . .

Actually both, though I was going to mention Joakim Noah.

Slide show   Hoop dreams Highlights of the top NBA draft prospects, featuring Greg Oden, Kevin Durant and more. more photos

He's one of those guys, sort of like Magic Johnson though nowhere in his class, who is considerably larger than the sum of his parts. Johnson wasn't much of a shooter when he came to the NBA, but no one could keep him from scoring. You get that feeling with Noah, who has an odd looking shot who reminds you more of Chris Dudley. But he comes off as a winner. He competes and you better believe most NBA big guys won't like him buzzing around them all the time. He's a seven footer, and while he doesn’t have a huge reach and length, he'll make up for it with activity and effort, the newest of the NBA skills.

Corey Brewer is another intriguing player. Really not tremendously long or athletic, which would seem to work against a wing player, he's another one who will make shots at the biggest time, like in this year's NCAA tournament and is a defender and committed player, someone who should extend beyond his workout image.

One more guy I'd watch for, though he is not destined to put up great offensive numbers, is Kansas' Julian Wright, the other Wright in this draft after North Carolina's Brandan. Julian doesn't shoot particularly well, but has a wonderfully innate feel for the game and is a terrific passer. He has a chance to be a nice fit somewhere.

Though no one is going to overshadow the Big 2 in this draft for some time.

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