The dream outcome for many Grizzlies fans in this year's draft is selecting Cam Boozer at #3. Boozer has a pro-ready offensive game and could form a dangerous frontcourt pairing with Zach Edey. If Cam Boozer doesn't make it to #3, that won't prevent the Grizzlies from finding a potential franchise changer. Selecting Darryn Peterson at #3 could still be a huge win even if the Boozer dream ends.
One of the biggest reasons the Grizzlies were such big winners of the 2026 NBA Draft lottery was the fact that landing #3 allows them a chance at one of AJ Dybantsa, Darryn Peterson, and Cam Boozer. That is not to knock other top prospects in a strong 2026 NBA Draft, but the Grizzlies now have a better chance at landing a potential franchise cornerstone to speed up their rebuild.
Could Peterson potentially fall to the Grizzlies at #3?
If the draft happened today, the most likely outcome would be AJ Dybantsa to the Wizards and Darryn Peterson to the Jazz, leaving Cam Boozer available for the Grizzlies to select at #3. However, all three of those prospects have a strong case to go #1, and the order could end up being different on draft night later this month.
Even though Cam Boozer is the most likely pick for the Grizzlies, Boozer likely has a safe floor in the NBA, and teams such as Washington and Utah would be wise to do their due diligence on him. It is also important to remember that Carlos Boozer previously played for the Jazz and is currently a scout for the organization.
Despite having a strong frontcourt, it can't be ruled out that Utah has Boozer the highest on their board. It is also difficult to envision AJ Dybantsa falling out of the top 2, given how strong the odds are of the Wizards drafting him and his ties to Utah, having played at BYU. There is a potential scenario that Cam Boozer and AJ Dybantsa go top 2, leaving the Grizzlies with Darryn Peterson.
Peterson would still be an amazing pick for the Grizzlies
While it would be a bit disappointing to not get to see a Cam Boozer and Zach Edey frontcourt, Darryn Peterson can still be a transformational pick for the Grizzlies. The Grizzlies are in a strong position as they rebuild, but they need a high-level scorer if they want to return to playoff basketball. There is a strong argument to be made that Darryn Peterson is the best scorer in the class.
There are valid concerns surrounding Peterson's ongoing cramping during his lone season at Kansas. Peterson also struggled with multiple lower-body injuries, including a hamstring strain and ankle sprain. However, Peterson is an extremely talented prospect and should find significant NBA success.
Peterson played in 24 games for the Jayhawks but was still extremely productive. Peterson averaged 20.2 points, 4.2 rebounds, 1.6 assists, and 2 stocks (steals and blocks) in 29 minutes per game. Beyond his stats, Peterson is a skilled scorer both on and off the ball and has a very promising jumpshot. Peterson also has shown signs of defensive upside at the next level.
Even though Peterson must make some growth as a playmaker, improved health should allow him to generate consistent rim pressure in the NBA. Listed at 6 foot 6 and 205 pounds, Peterson is a big guard that will help to improve the positional size on the roster that Zach Kleiman is looking for.
Understandably, many fans want Boozer, but Grizzlies fans should not worry if Peterson ends up being the pick at #3.
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