The Memphis Grizzlies have been put in a spot that they should end up winners of the 2026 NBA Draft regardless of who they select third overall. It should be a stress-free outcome, as the Grizzlies will end up with whoever remains between AJ Dybantsa, Darryn Peterson, and Cam Boozer. This is a spot no other team gets to enjoy, as the Grizzlies will have their decision made for them.
A lot can happen between now and draft night, but the current expectation is that AJ Dybantsa will end up going to the Washington Wizards #1 overall. Even though it seems more likely that the Utah Jazz will select Darryn Peterson at #2, there are still some rumblings about them taking Cam Boozer. Of course, Boozer is a dream fit for the Grizzlies, but Grizzlies fans should not worry regardless.
Whether it is Darryn Peterson or Cam Boozer, the Grizzlies are guaranteed to come with a franchise-altering player.
Both choices would be a massive boost for the Grizzlies regardless
It is impossible to not be excited about a potential frontcourt pairing of Cam Boozer and Zach Edey. Teams would have a much harder time in the possession battle and dealing with their physicality. Both bring basketball IQ and would make pick-and-rolls even more challenging to deal with for opposing defenses.
Cam Boozer's ability to score out of multiple play types efficiently and playmaking for the power forward position makes him a safe choice to succeed in the NBA. However, if the Wizards select AJ Dybantsa at #1 and the Jazz see Boozer as the best player on their board at #2, the Grizzlies should absolutely be fine with taking Darryn Peterson at #3.
Darryn Peterson struggled with multiple injuries throughout his lone season at Kansas, but he is the most pro-ready scorer in the draft class. Peterson is a willing defender and is able to score in a variety of ways. With Ja Morant's future to be decided, Peterson would be an excellent option to fill the scoring void. The fit with Boozer is exciting, but Grizzlies fans should still be excited about Peterson if Boozer is selected at #2 by the Jazz.
AJ Dybantsa, Darryn Peterson, and Cam Boozer should very likely have successful NBA careers. But unlike the Wizards and the Jazz, the Grizzlies don't have to feel the pressure of making the wrong choice. One of those players will fall to them regardless, and there is no pressure to trade up. A strong case can be made for each player as the #1 prospect of the 2026 NBA Draft.
The bigger question should be what they do with picks #16 and #32, as the Grizzlies should be almost guaranteed a chance at Darryn Peterson or Cam Boozer. Regardless, Grizzlies fans should feel good about coming away with an elite prospect that could be a franchise cornerstone in Memphis.
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