The Memphis Grizzlies landed their new frontcourt hub in the 2026 NBA Draft, selecting Duke forward Cameron Boozer No. 3 overall.
The NBA world received the pick overwhelmingly positively, with many proclaiming the 18-year-old a perfect fit to spearhead Memphis’ young core.
Grizzlies Draw Praise for Landing Cameron Boozer at No. 3 in 2026 NBA Draft
The first two picks of Tuesday’s first round were in line with most mock drafts, with the Washington Wizards selecting BYU’s AJ Dybantsa and the Utah Jazz taking Kansas’ Darryn Peterson. That set the stage for Memphis to fill the void left by recently traded star forward Jaren Jackson Jr.
CAM BOOZER TO MEMPHIS 🐻
The Boozer family was so happy to see him drafted at No. 3 👏 pic.twitter.com/XrWTlwGKgq
— ESPN (@espn) June 24, 2026
PFSN bills Boozer as a 6-foot-9 forward with “broad shoulders, excellent feel, and an advanced skill set” that “combines old-school power with a modern forward’s versatility.”
Boozer’s combination of size, offensive polish, sturdy defense, efficiency, poise, and consistency has earned him the label of a player “ready to contribute immediately at the next level.”
MORE: WATCH: NBA Legend Carlos Boozer Gets Emotional As Son, Cameron Boozer, Takes the Stage At 2026 Draft
For a Grizzlies team lacking a clear centerpiece amid star guard Ja Morant’s uncertain future, the NBA community on X envisioned the pick paying major dividends.
“I love what the Memphis Grizzlies are building. Cam Boozer, Cedric Coward, Zach Edey. One hell of a trio to lead a deep, talented young roster,” Yahoo Sports’ Kevin O’Connor gushed.
I love what the Memphis Grizzlies are building. Cam Boozer, Cedric Coward, Zach Edey. One hell of a trio to lead a deep, talented young roster.
— Kevin O’Connor (@KevinOConnor) June 24, 2026
“Boozer now becomes the face of the franchise with a Ja Morant trade expected soon,” NBA insider Evan Sidery reported.
The Grizzlies select Cam Boozer at No. 3 overall.
Boozer now becomes the face of the franchise with a Ja Morant trade expected soon. pic.twitter.com/AqUtaltblC
— Evan Sidery (@esidery) June 24, 2026
“Cameron Boozer to the Memphis Grizzlies gives this franchise an identity on offense. Not only can he do seemingly everything on that end of the floor, but he also matches the physicality of this frontcourt alongside Zach Edey and will give this team an immediate edge on the glass,” No Ceilings NBA’s Nathan Grubel raved.
Cameron Boozer to the Memphis Grizzlies gives this franchise an identity on offense. Not only can he do seemingly everything on that end of the floor, but he also matches the physicality of this frontcourt alongside Zach Edey and will give this team an immediate edge on the…
— Nathan Grubel (@DraftDeeper) June 24, 2026
“Cam Boozer [is] so perfect for Memphis. An analytically forward-thinking organization that needs a culture reset. Cam Boozer will be GREAT,” podcaster Ryan Hammer predicted.
Cam Boozer so perfect for Memphis. An analytically forward thinking organization that needs a culture reset.
Cam Boozer will be GREAT.
— Ryan Hammer🔨 (@ryanhammer09) June 24, 2026
“Carlos Boozer… 35th pick in 2002 Draft
Cameron Boozer… 3rd pick in 2026 Draft
This is incredible. Shoutout to the Boozer family,” ESPN’s Sam Block wrote.
Carlos Boozer… 35th pick in 2002 Draft
Cameron Boozer… 3rd pick in 2026 DraftThis is incredible.
Shoutout to the Boozer family.— Sam Block (@theblockspot) June 24, 2026
However, some weren’t fully sold on Boozer’s NBA upside, including veteran analyst Skip Bayless.
“Love his dad, but don’t love-love Cameron Boozer in the NBA. Just not that explosively athletic. But he is a very good, extremely well-taught basketball player who will give you all he has every night and provide solid leadership,” Bayless opined.
Love his dad but don’t love-love Cameron Boozer in the NBA. Just not that explosively athletic. But he is a very good, extremely well taught basketball player who will give you all he has every night and provide solid leadership.
— Skip Bayless (@RealSkipBayless) June 24, 2026
Per PFSN, “some NBA executives believe Boozer can be a team’s offensive engine, while others view him more as a star-caliber complementary piece.” Regardless, the 2026 National College Player of the Year should have every opportunity to prove himself on a Memphis squad coming off an underwhelming 25-57 season.
