Bill Simmons predicts Cameron Boozer lands with the Utah Jazz at No. 2 in the 2026 NBA Draft, pushing the Memphis Grizzlies toward Darryn Peterson at No. 3.
The Memphis Grizzlies hold three picks in the 2026 NBA Draft, and while many mock drafts project Duke forward Cameron Boozer to land with Memphis at No. 3 overall, a prominent sports podcaster believes he will come off the board one spot earlier at No.2.
Although Memphis has often been linked to Boozer in early mock drafts, most projections have Kentucky forward AJ Dybantsa going No.1 to the Washington Wizards and Kansas guard Darryn Peterson landing with the Utah Jazz at No.2. Bill Simmons, The Ringer founder and podcast host, however, is not convinced that order is set in stone.
"I've been thinking a lot because I do think Dybantsa is going to go first," said Simmons.
"Regardless of how we try to talk the Boozer thing is that, I just think he's going to go first. I think Danny is such a wild card at second, and there's no way to predict it. You think it's going to happen with Peterson, but I think there are too many red flags. I don't, I think he's going to stay away from Peterson," he added.
How will Memphis Pivot
Simmons continued to explain during his Episode on June 10 that Utah Jazz CEO of Basketball Operations and Alternate Governor Danny Ainge will be able to evaluate and pick the high-end guy.
Out of five sports media outlets, NBA mock drafts all but one outlet predicted that Boozer would land in Memphis. If the Jazz take the Duke forward with the No. 2 overall pick the Grizzlies will have to make a tough decision to trade or draft Peterson with the No.3 overall pick.
No reports indicate that Memphis will trade its No.3 pick, which means that the team will take the next best player on the board, which would be Peterson. He is listed at 6-foot-6 with a 6-10 wingspan.
The Kansas guard finished his freshman season (2025-26), averaging 20.2 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 1.6 assists, while shooting 38.2 percent from three. If Memphis selects him at No.3, they can pair him with Ja Morant if he remains with the franchise or they can establish a young core.
Pros and Cons
Peterson comes with upside: his ability to knock down tough shots, his physical frame at the guard position, which would add depth to a Grizzlies team that struggled to remain healthy, and his ability to guard multiple positions.
On the other hand, scouting reports have expressed concerns with his ability to finish at the rim, play in physical games, and his playmaking abilities. Needless to say, the franchise will look to develop who ever they draft with their first selection in the draft.
Boozer has been regarded as a draft pick who will come in, play, and contribute right away.
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