Memphis Grizzlies rookie Cameron Boozer is the clear favorite to win the 2026-27 Rookie of the Year award, according to the league's general managers. The third overall pick received a dominant 50% of the vote in the annual NBA GM survey, establishing a massive lead over his draft class peers as the team prepares for its next preseason fixture against the Utah Jazz on October 21.
The survey results show a significant gap. Boozer's 50% vote share dwarfs the 20% for Chicago's Caleb Wilson, 17% for Washington's AJ Dybantsa, and 13% for Utah's Darryn Peterson. While Dybantsa is widely seen as the most talented player in the class, GMs believe team context matters. He'll share the Washington offense with established stars Anthony Davis and Trae Young. Peterson faces a similar crowded situation in Utah with Lauri Markkanen, Jaren Jackson, and Keyonte George.
Boozer's path is clearer. The Memphis Grizzlies have fully committed to a youth movement, trading Ja Morant this past summer. They want Boozer to have a dominant rookie season and will feature him heavily on offense from opening night. Fellow young players Cedric Coward and Zach Edey aren't seen as primary scorers who will limit his opportunities. This clear runway for production is a huge factor in the voting.
Memphis is already building momentum in exhibition play. Their most recent result was a 117-98 preseason victory over the Charlotte Hornets on October 16. That win followed a 104-100 comeback against the Chicago Bulls on October 9. The Grizzlies also posted a high-scoring 132-123 win over the Atlanta Hawks on October 5, though they dropped a close 122-118 game to the Orlando Magic on October 7.
These preseason games are allowing the new core to gel. Boozer is at the center of that process. The team's offensive flow and his integration will be tested next against Darryn Peterson and the Utah Jazz.
A separate question in the GM survey asked which rookie will be the best player in five years. Here, Boozer's standing shifted. He finished third with 23% of the vote. AJ Dybantsa and Caleb Wilson tied for first at 33% each, with Darryn Peterson at 10%.
GMs view Dybantsa as a future franchise cornerstone in Washington, eventually surpassing his star teammates. Wilson's elite athleticism and projected growth give him immense upside in Chicago. This suggests that while Boozer is expected to contribute immediately and win Rookie of the Year, others might have higher ultimate ceilings. But for the Grizzlies, immediate impact from their new franchise face is the priority.
All focus turns to the regular season and Boozer's debut. The final preseason test is at home against the Utah Jazz on October 21. That game offers a direct preview of the Rookie of the Year race, pitting Boozer against the fourth-ranked Darryn Peterson.
The Grizzlies' strategy is no secret. They have handed the keys to Cameron Boozer. His scoring, rebounding, and playmaking will be the engine of their offense every single night. If the GM poll is correct, that consistent opportunity will translate into enough production to secure the rookie award. The preseason wins show the team is finding its rhythm, and now the real work begins.
