Unfortunately for Duke star Cameron Boozer, most early projections suggest he doesn't have much chance of being a top-two pick in the 2026 NBA draft.
It's a difficult reality that Boozer is just going to have to deal with, as most teams continue to view Darryn Peterson and AJ Dybantsa as generational-type prospects.
Honestly, I definitely understand it, as I'm a big fan of Peterson specifically and what he brings to the court. At the same time, I do think Boozer is being a bit overlooked here, though that doesn't mean he can't have a successful NBA career and find a good spot for himself.
With the third pick in the 2026 NBA draft, the Memphis Grizzlies will have an opportunity to likely go with Boozer or Caleb Wilson.
Whoever they want in that spot is expected to be available, and in ESPN's recent mock draft, it mocked Boozer to Memphis.
“On paper, Boozer feels like a match made in heaven for the Grizzlies, an organization that strongly values production and intangibles, causing many around the NBA to pencil him in at No. 3. Boozer might immediately become Memphis' best player as the team continues overhauling its roster, and with Ja Morant potentially on the move.
“Although Boozer isn't vertically gifted, he did outperform Caleb Wilson in agility drills, showing solid functional athleticism. The lottery shaped up well for him, with the top four teams looking like viable fits. He is arguably the safest pick in this draft,” ESPN wrote.
Memphis would definitely be a nice little spot for Boozer, depending on what it does throughout the offseason.
The former Duke star proved that he can bruise around, and he'd give the Grizzlies that old Memphis feel. The Grizzlies have been searching for a guy who can come in and make an immediate impact in recent years, and have found multiple players who can do so.
They're one of the more interesting young teams in the NBA as things currently stand, and adding the talented Duke star would only add to that. The Ja Morant situation has to be figured out, but regardless, Boozer would fit.
