Cam Boozer joins the Grizzlies unintimidated, embracing the chip on his shoulder and a centerpiece role in Memphis as the No. 3 pick in the 2026 NBA Draft.
Cam Boozer is not intimidated by what awaits him in Memphis.
The No. 3 overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, who could be the youngest player in the league next season, said Monday he welcomes the responsibility of anchoring a rebuilding Grizzlies team on and off the court.
"I wouldn't say it's intimidating. I've had a target on my back my whole career," Boozer said at his introductory press conference at FedExForum. "I've been one of the top players in my class for four or five years now, so I don't think it's intimidating."
Boozer, the son of two-time NBA All-Star Carlos Boozer, arrived as the consensus national player of the year after one season at Duke. He averaged 22.5 points, 10.2 rebounds, and 4.1 assists while shooting 39.1% from 3-point range, and he led college basketball with a 17.1 box plus-minus. He turns 19 in July.
The forward did not shy away from his belief that he should have been considered for the top pick.
"Most definitely," Boozer said when asked whether he carries a chip on his shoulder. "Being here in this organization and seeing the vision of this team, I don't see any reason why that isn't achievable for me."
Boozer pointed to his lone season at Duke as preparation for the scrutiny that comes with being a franchise cornerstone. He said competing on one of the biggest stages in college basketball against top opponents readied him for the jump, though he stopped short of guaranteeing immediate stardom.
"I've been the best player on my team my whole life," Boozer said. "I'm not saying I'm going to walk into the NBA and immediately be the best player, but being a big-time player isn't new to me."
He expressed enthusiasm about joining a frontcourt that includes 7-foot-4 center Zach Edey and second-year wing Cedric Coward, who committed to Duke before keeping his name in the 2025 draft.
"As for Zach, I mean, he's huge. Everybody knows that," Boozer said. "We're going to dominate the glass, dominate the paint, and have a lot of fun."
Boozer said the most important advice from his father has been to remain present rather than look ahead to Summer League or the regular season. He chose jersey No. 27 in honor of his mother, who wore it as a college volleyball player, and acknowledged the possibility of sharing a locker room with veteran Taj Gibson, a former teammate of his father in Chicago.
"It would be crazy playing with Taj," Boozer said. "It really shows how quickly life moves."
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