Grizzlies nab Duke’s Cameron Boozer at No. 3 in NBA draft

The Memphis Grizzlies took one other step towards their subsequent period Tuesday night time with the choice of Duke ahead Cameron Boozer at No. 3 in the NBA draft.

The Grizzlies nonetheless personal two extra picks in the highest 32 of the draft.

“The group of young players that we already have, coupled with having as many first-round assets as nearly anyone in the league, it’s going to speak for itself soon,” basic supervisor Zach Kleiman stated.

Boozer’s play must resonate loudly this upcoming season because the Grizzlies proceed one more personnel reset that began in earnest again in 2025, when the membership fired longtime coach Taylor Jenkins lower than a month earlier than the beginning of the playoffs. The addition of Boozer alongside younger up-and-comers Cedric Coward, Jaylen Wells and Zach Edey might speed up the membership’s rebuild sooner than many anticipated.

Boozer is extensively thought-about essentially the most NBA-ready participant of the draft class, having led faculty basketball in his lone season at Duke with a 17.1 field plus-minus rating. He shot 39.1% from 3, averaging 22.5 factors, 10.2 rebounds, 4.1 assists and 1.4 steals as a dominant, versatile pressure for the Blue Devils. The 18-year-old, who will flip 19 in July, nearly immediately improves Memphis’ spacing whereas offering a secondary choice to Coward as a facilitator.

The son of two-time NBA All-Star Carlos Boozer and the unanimous participant of the yr in faculty basketball, Boozer might pair with Edey to kind a bruising frontcourt, offered the latter is wholesome after present process one other surgical procedure in March on his left ankle. Boozer already possesses a dependable deep shot that might be an asset on the perimeter in the unconventional offense of coach Tuomas Iisalo, however he additionally has a pure really feel for the sport that ought to switch properly in the NBA, in addition to the power to function an offensive hub.

On the defensive finish, Boozer lacks perfect measurement, mobility and verticality, however the physicality and management potential traits are there.

Boozer seems to be a perfect match for the tradition Memphis is seeking to construct because it makes an attempt to maneuver on from star guard Ja Morantwhose future stays unsure.

The Grizzlies probably will not be capable of commerce Morant till later in the summer season after free company.