Memphis Grizzlies rookie Cameron Boozer has been ranked the 14th-best power forward in the NBA by HoopsHype. The third overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft arrives as the Grizzlies look to rebuild after a difficult finish to last season, which ended with a 132-101 loss to the Houston Rockets on April 13, 2026.
HoopsHype noted that while Boozer's athleticism might require an adjustment period, his basketball IQ and shooting give him an All-Star ceiling. The 6-foot-10 forward from Duke put up impressive numbers last season, averaging 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.
His performance translated well to the Summer League. Boozer earned a spot on the Summer League First Team by averaging 18.5 points, 8.0 rebounds, 3.7 assists, and 1.8 steals per game. He led the Grizzlies to the championship game, where they fell to the Golden State Warriors.
Tony Jones of The Athletic has compared Boozer's versatile skill set to the multi-skilled roster construction of the 2025-26 champion New York Knicks. Boozer himself embraces this modern role. "Versatility is the name of the game," Cameron 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."
The Grizzlies are in clear need of a talent infusion. The team concluded the 2025-26 campaign on a five-game losing streak. That rough patch included heavy defeats like a 147-101 loss to the Utah Jazz on April 11 and a 136-119 loss to the Denver Nuggets on April 9.
Boozer represents a major building block. He is the son of former NBA All-Star Carlos Boozer, bringing a high basketball pedigree to Memphis. More importantly, his style of play fits how the league is evolving. His ability to score inside and out, rebound, and facilitate makes him a potential cornerstone.
One NBA executive told Grizzlies Roundtable they fully expect Boozer to win the 2026-27 NBA Rookie of the Year award. "He's going to have such a high usage rate," the exec said. "His numbers will be inflated. I fully expect him to win Rookie of the Year. The other top guys have competition for shots." This points to Boozer having a green light from day one.
The immediate expectation is for Boozer to make a significant impact. His main competition for the Rookie of the Year award, like top pick AJ Dybantsa in Washington, may have to share touches with established stars. Boozer's path to major minutes and offensive responsibility in Memphis appears more direct.
For the Grizzlies, integrating Boozer is the first step in moving past a disappointing season finale. The team's last five results, all losses, were tough to watch for fans. You can review the full schedule and upcoming matchups on our schedule page.
His playmaking and physicality at the power forward spot should help address some of the team's recent struggles. If Boozer lives up to his ranking and the hype surrounding him, he could quickly become the face of the franchise's next chapter. The Grizzlies are betting big that his high basketball IQ and all-around game will translate immediately and lift the team back into contention.
