For Memphis, the 2026 NBA Draft has the potential to alter the course of events, and Cameron Boozer is at the top of their list. The Grizzlies are able to select a great player after winning the lottery.
Everyone was buzzing about the most recent mock draft on Yahoo Sports, in which Analyst Kevin O’Connor said the Memphis Grizzlies will choose Boozer with the No. 3 overall choice. Despite having a very slim, almost 9. 4%, opportunity to advance, the Grizzlies rose from sixth to third position.
Because Memphis has just had what might be described as a terrible year, this choice is significant. Everything that could have gone wrong did go wrong. With injuries, Ja Morant missed a lot of games. The health of Zach Edey was in doubt.
Large trades including Jaren Jackson Jr. and Desmond Bane were also made by the front office. The team’s transition from being a competitor to a complete rebuild was signaled by these actions.
Boozer makes around 40% of his 3-point attempts on a high volume. Because he can pass like a guard and run the offense, many scouts refer to him as a “point-forward. ” The Grizzlies would have a frontcourt for years to come if they were to pair him with a center like Edey.
In his first year at Duke, Boozer averaged 22. 5 points and 10. 2 rebounds per game. Additionally, he made 4. 1 assists while hitting at a field goal percentage of over 55%. He was named the Naismith Player of the Year and the ACC Player of the Year.
In every game he played, he had at least 13 points, 5 rebounds, and 2 assists. It’s rare for an 18-year-old to have such consistency.
The prevailing opinion is that AJ Dybantsa and Darryn Peterson will be selected with the first two picks. If that occurs, Boozer is almost certain to go to Memphis at No. 3. It’s difficult to picture them skipping him if he’s available.
However, if someone else gets him first, Memphis will have to consider alternative solutions.
What other options might the Grizzlies have at No. 3?
The most likely backup plan is Caleb Wilson. North Carolina is home to the 6’10” giant Wilson. He is a significant lob threat and defends the paint far better than Boozer does. When it comes to covering ground and protecting the rim, his physical tools may even be a better fit with Edey’s on paper.
Wilson is a finisher who depends on others to set him up. For a club like Memphis that is attempting to rebuild, the certainty that Boozer provides is essential. They need a player who can lead the team from day one.
To support the backcourt, the Grizzlies might think about a guard like Labaron Philon Jr. It’s important to keep in mind that Memphis has other options in this draft. The 16th and 32nd selections are also theirs.
The dates for the 2026 NBA Draft are June 23 and 24. The organization benefited greatly from moving up to the third position. They now have the opportunity to acquire a player like Boozer, who may lead them back to victory.
Should they stick with Boozer, or should they consider a candidate like Wilson?
