AJ Dybantsa and Darryn Peterson are being built as "can't miss" prospects. But Duke's Boozer showed Saturday why he must be in the top pick conversation -- and envisioned as a King.
The Sacramento Kings played down in San Antonio as Cameron Boozer went off on Michigan.
But if you're a member of their scouting department, there had better be one eye on Duke versus Michigan during the 139-122 loss to the Spurs.
Because Boozer just raised his NBA Draft stock another level -- and presents new reasons why he should be envisioned as a potential Sacramento King.
Boozer Went Off When it Mattered
Many will look at 18 points, 10 rebounds, and seven assists as above average numbers in an NBA setting.
Boozer, however, put that production up against the nation's top-ranked team.
Furthermore, he buried a long three-pointer with under 2:30 to go that eventually snatched the soul out of the top-ranked Wolverines.
Boozer proved he wasn't phased by the moment. Duke trusted the young freshman to bury the nation's best team and proceeded. Just imagine what Boozer can do at the next level.
Boozer Presents an Unmatched Versatility the Kings Need
Sacramento features the most discombobulated roster rotation in the league. General manager Scott Perry and head coach Doug Christie, through all their positivity despite the stack of losses, have built this roster in awkward fashion.
The Kings lack a true facilitator, then become reliant on two players past 35, DeMar DeRozan and Russell Westbrook, to sometimes carry the scoring load.
If anything, second rounder Maxime Raynaud has shown promise as a rebounding and interior scoring presence. But Boozer presents unmatched versatility few across the nation have.
The 6-foot-9 Boozer threw his body inside and still lured in double-digit rebounds against a Wolverines team loaded on length. Then he showed inside/outside scoring attacks despite the pressure defense Michigan threw on the Capital One Arena floor.
But Boozer's court vision is another added bonus for the next team to grab him.
Boozer's Bloodlines Also Help Here
Fans already know who his famed father is.
Carlos Boozer stacked nine NBA All-Star appearances after starring for the Blue Devils. Now Cam has taken over by showing more versatility than the post presence father.
It's almost like Cam Boozer was born with a basketball instead of a cellphone in his hand. He even shows advanced basketball knowledge for a freshman and can play the cerebral game with foes -- thanks to time spent with his father.
Sacramento can lean into Boozer's brains too.
Boozer is Surpassing One Notable Projected No. 1 Pick
Peterson of Kansas is starting to drop.
Fans have noticed Peterson not finishing games and developing cramps...signaling if he could get fatigued in an NBA setting. He can score at will when motivated. But his recent truncated minutes have drawn concerns.
Dybantsa is a rim attacker and fearless at attacking the lane. But the Kings can get Malik Monk and last year's top pick Nique Clifford as the lane penetrators next to Raynaud.
Sacramento needs more of a jack-of-all trades and a talent who can galvanize this fan base. No doubt Dybantsa can ignite energy here, but time to start thinking about Boozer lighting the beam too.
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