I don't think it's crazy to say that the Memphis Grizzlies made one of the more impressive picks in the 2026 NBA Draft, even if it was the smart and easy one to make.
There was certainly a feeling that the Grizzlies were going to end up with Cameron Boozer, the star forward out of Duke. Boozer, who had an opportunity to go with one of the first three picks in the draft, ended up falling to No. 4.
There was a sense that he could go first or second because of what he did during his time in college, so the Grizzlies have to feel very good that they were able to get him.
Looking ahead, there's a lot to like about what Boozer can bring to this organization, whether it's because of what he's able to do as a winner, player, or just having a general basketball IQ that we don't typically see from players of his age.
That's part of the reason why he was recently viewed as one of the top picks in this draft, with one writer going as far as to say that he might have the highest floor and an underrated ceiling compared to any other prospect.
“Boozer has the highest floor in the draft and an underrated ceiling. Not only can no other player in the field match Boozer's history of winning or production, but Boozer also has an unmatched overlap of size, skill, physicality, and feel for the game," Adam Finkelstein wrote.
“He's also very much in line with the type of player that Memphis has prioritized in the draft process in recent years. Memphis can plug Boozer in next to Zach Edey and Cedric Coward and Memphis' rebuilding project already has their frontcourt of the future figured out. Grade: A+”
I don't know if he has the highest floor in this draft, as I believe that sits with Darryn Peterson. However, I won't argue that Boozer is as good as it gets, and I'm very excited to see what he's able to do in a Grizzlies jersey in the near future.
