The 2026 NBA Draft is one that could end up going down in NBA history as an all-time great class. It looks like Cam Boozer could end up being a great piece for the Grizzlies, but other players such as AJ Dybantsa, Darryn Peterson, and Caleb Wilson round out what could be a great top 4. For now, Grizzlies fans will be encouraged by what John Hollinger of The Athletic had to say about Cam Boozer.
Selected third overall, Cam Boozer looked as advertised in Summer League, especially with such a well-rounded offensive skillset. Boozer will have to keep improving his handle and growing on the defensive end, especially as a rim protector. However, Boozer showed a much smoother release on his jumpshot, and he moved well as a perimeter defender.
Cam Boozer could have a strong path to winning Rookie of the Year
John Hollinger was discussing the Rookie of the Year race (subscription required) and had the following to say about Cam Boozer:
"The No. 1 player on my draft board was also one of the best players at summer league. While Boozer will face considerable competition from Dybantsa and others, he has the advantage of not fighting established stars to be the top option." - John Hollinger, The Athletic
Hollinger's words are the exact glowing praise that Grizzlies fans hoped to hear. AJ Dybantsa, Darryn Peterson, and Caleb Wilson all ended up in great situations and have the potential to really elevate their respective franchises. It speaks volumes to the type of player Hollinger believes Boozer can be, especially in such a stacked draft class.
The fit between Boozer and Memphis made perfect sense before the draft, but giving Boozer a strong chance to win Rookie of the Year suggests that he has plenty of upside from Day 1. One of the most unfair narratives surrounding Boozer is his lack of upside compared to other top picks in the draft.
Now, a Rookie of the Year race isn't the be-all and end-all for what all those players can be, but Boozer winning the award in what should be a strong class would bode extremely well for his future. The Grizzlies have other promising young pieces on the roster and have strong veterans in Ty Jerome and now Isaiah Stewart.
AJ Dybantsa and Darryn Peterson, who were both selected above him, find themselves in promising situations that could result in winning basketball early on. Caleb Wilson, who was selected fourth overall by the Bulls, will likely command a similar high usage to Boozer in his rookie season.
Plus, given where both Boozer and Wilson were selected, a longtime debate will likely continue about who is better. Cam Boozer winning Rookie of the Year over those names would not just signal that the concerns about his upside are greatly overplayed, but that he also led the Grizzlies to more wins than expected.
The early signs are showing that the Grizzlies struck gold with the Cam Boozer pick and that he has a strong chance to win Rookie of the Year this upcoming season.
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