Cameron Boozer didn't score in the first half but still posted a game-best +35 in Memphis's win over Golden State. Here's why that matters.
If you can't consistently generate unassisted baskets in the NBA, you can't be a star.
Those are the rules. There are arguable exceptions. Perhaps a Defensive Player of the Year candidate qualifies. Still, in general, the ability to create points for yourself is what seperates role players from stars.
Yet, scoring isn't the only valuable skill. The best players in the league can impact the game in other ways, in addition to their scoring acumen.
Memphis Grizzlies rookie Cameron Boozer showed he can be that type of player in Tuesday's dominant win over the Golden State Warriors.
Grizzlies' Cam Boozer shows off versatile skill set
"Scoring struggles" may be an understatement.
Boozer didn't get a single bucket in the first half. He generated some solid looks - an open three here, a semi-contested midrange there - but the ball did not find the bottom of the bucket.
Ultimately, he'd finish with 12 points on 4/12 shooting from the field. Boozer added 7 boards, 3 assists (with 2 turnovers) and 3 steals. On the surface, this wasn't a great game:
So how was Boozer a league-best +35?
His decision-making was excellent. Boozer's three steals changed the course of the game as well. For a player who some feared would be a defensive liability, he's been solid on that end of the floor.
More broadly, Boozer's mere presence changed this game. The Warriors were hyperfocused on guarding him. Boozer's gravity created easy opportunities for his teammates.
Granted, this was a Summer League game. It's expected that the third overall pick will be the best player on the floor in more games than not. The Warriors were playing several guys who are highly unlikely to see a minute of regular NBA action in their lives.
How much does this even matter?
Grizzlies' Boozer should be an NBA star
Well, what else was he supposed to do?
This is Boozer's current level of competition. He's shining - just like he did at Duke. Typically, production at one level will translate to the next one.
Boozer's NBA floor seems exceedingly high. His feel for the game and well-rounded skill set are as close to "can't-miss" as one can get.
As a rookie, there will be nights when Boozer struggles to score. That's inevitable, and it's true for most rookies. He won't be able to overcome those struggles with his overall game as easily as he is in Summer League, but his overall approach to basketball will benefit the Grizzlies from day one:
And when the scoring is on, he'll look like a star some nights.
