Memphis Grizzlies rookie Cameron Boozer has earned a spot on ESPN's prestigious Top 100 NBA players list before playing a regular season game. The third overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft landed at No. 85, a rare feat for a first-year player. This recognition arrives as the Grizzlies look to rebound from a tough end to the 2025-26 season, which concluded with a 132-101 loss to the Houston Rockets on April 13, 2026.
Boozer's immediate inclusion stems from his dominant college season and impressive Summer League performance. At Duke, he averaged 22.5 points, 10.2 rebounds, and 4.1 assists per game. He shot 55.6% from the field and 39.1% from three-point range, winning National Player of the Year.
His transition to the professional stage was smooth. In Summer League, Boozer put up 18.5 points, 8.0 rebounds, 3.7 assists, and 1.8 steals per contest. He led Memphis to the championship game and was named to the Summer League First Team. His all-around game as a 6-foot-10 forward has drawn early comparisons to the versatile roster that powered the New York Knicks' recent championship run.
For a Grizzlies team that lost its final five games of last season, Boozer represents a major infusion of talent and hope. The team's recent form shows five consecutive losses, including defeats to the Cleveland Cavaliers (142-126 on April 7) and the Milwaukee Bucks (131-115 on April 5). Adding a player of Boozer's caliber addresses a clear need for playmaking and scoring.
An anonymous NBA executive told Grizzlies Roundtable they fully expect Boozer to win the 2026-27 NBA Rookie of the Year award. "His numbers will be inflated. I fully expect him to win Rookie of the Year," the exec said. "The other top guys have competition for shots. Cam doesn't." This level of expectation is uncommon for a rookie but highlights his projected central role.
Versatility is the cornerstone of Boozer's appeal. "That's what teams are looking for," Boozer told reporters. "Teams want five guys who can make plays. I can screen. I can handle it. You can put me in a lot of different scenarios." His ability to score inside and out, rebound, and facilitate makes him a modern NBA fit.
He is the son of former NBA All-Star Carlos Boozer, bringing a familiar basketball pedigree to Memphis. His skill set suggests he can be a primary offensive option quickly. While the team's final games last season, like the 130-119 loss to the New York Knicks on April 2, showed defensive struggles, Boozer's two-way potential is a bright spot.
The immediate focus is training camp and integrating Boozer into the lineup. His development is the top storyline for a franchise eager to climb the Western Conference standings. Fans can track his progress and the team's upcoming schedule on our schedule page.
His ranking above established veterans like Norman Powell and just behind Alex Caruso sets a high bar. With a clear path to a high usage rate, Boozer has a legitimate chance to outperform his No. 85 ranking. The Grizzlies' future looks considerably brighter with him on the roster, aiming to turn the page on a difficult closing stretch that included a 131-105 loss to the Phoenix Suns on March 31.
