By landing the 3rd overall pick of the 2026 NBA Draft, the Grizzlies will almost certainly come away with a franchise-changing talent. A lot can happen between now and draft night, but it is looking increasingly likely the Grizzlies will come away with Cam Boozer or Caleb Wilson. Yesterday was a very exciting day for Grizzlies fans, but the debate between Boozer and Wilson is already intensifying.
Even though there was a 37.2% chance of landing a top 4 pick, the Grizzlies' highest pick odds were at #7 and #8. Simply put, the Grizzlies got fortunate in a big way and have a clear lifeline to becoming a playoff team again soon. Now, it seems likely that AJ Dybantsa will go #1 and Darryn Peterson will go #2, and that the choice is between Boozer and Wilson at #3 for the Grizzlies.
If faced with a choice between Cam Boozer and Caleb Wilson, the Grizzlies will come out winners regardless of who they select. But one thing is clear: the case for either player is strong, and it will be interesting for fans to debate between the two leading up to the draft.
Cam Boozer would be a significant offensive boost right away
After an impressive lone season at Duke, Cam Boozer will be 18 years old on draft night. Boozer already had significant pedigree given his impressive high school and FIBA performances. He is also the son of former two-time NBA All-Star Carlos Boozer. Cam Boozer has won at every level and was one of the most productive players in college basketball this past season.
Starting every game as a freshman for Duke, Boozer averaged 22.5 points, 10.2 rebounds, and 4.1 assists in 38 games, while also adding 2 stocks (steals and blocks) per game. Boozer showed a well-rounded offensive skillset and tenacity as a rebounder that should certainly translate. Listed at 6-foot-9 and 250 pounds, Boozer is physical and a very intelligent player despite some concerns about his athleticism and rim protection.
Caleb Wilson also has a strong top-3 case
Throughout almost the entire season, AJ Dybantsa, Darryn Peterson, and Cam Boozer, in some order, have been the consensus top 3 for a loaded 2026 NBA Draft. However, Caleb Wilson is absolutely worthy of being in the top 3 conversation leading up to the draft. One of the main things sparking the debate between Caleb Wilson and Cam Boozer is the fact that Wilson is the superior athlete.
Beyond just the talk about athleticism, there is plenty to like about Wilson's game too. In his lone season at North Carolina, Wilson averaged 19.8 points, 9.4 rebounds, and 2.7 assists in 24 games. Wilson also added 2.9 stocks per game and has built a strong reputation on the defensive end. Listed at 6-foot-10 and 215 pounds, Wilson is a gifted athlete that has the potential to be an elite two-way player in the NBA.
Wilson is slightly older than Boozer; however, he will still be just 19 years old on draft night and fits the upside swing the Grizzlies are looking for this summer. Wilson is an explosive finisher at the rim and has a very strong motor on both ends of the floor. There are valid concerns about Wilson's perimeter shooting ability, but he should also have an immediate day 1 impact like Boozer in Memphis if selected third overall.
The Grizzlies will likely face an exciting choice between Cam Boozer and Caleb Wilson at #3 overall. Even with the intense debates, Grizzlies fans should feel confident in landing a foundational piece for the franchise.
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