Selecting Cam Boozer last night should be a huge step towards the Grizzlies returning to playoff contention very soon. Even though the Grizzlies are exploring trading down from #32, why not consider reuniting Cam Boozer with one of his Duke teammates, Isaiah Evans? It would be a golden opportunity to fill a need and get the Grizzlies one of the steals of the 2026 NBA Draft.
The Grizzlies would still have to find a way to make way for three rookies if they stay at #32. There are other strong options in Meleek Thomas and Henri Veesaar, but Isaiah Evans would be a no-brainer pick if he falls. Evans had an extremely strong case to go in the first round but did not end up getting selected.
Given how well the Grizzlies have drafted in the second round the past few seasons, they could have another chance to add to that strong track record with Isaiah Evans.
Isaiah Evans would give the Grizzlies quality shooting and defense
One thing that should be clear from the NBA Playoffs is that a team can never have too many quality defenders and shooters. The now-reigning champions, the New York Knicks, shot the three-ball at an extremely high level and shut down some of the best offenses in the entire NBA. Stars matter, but so does having a supporting cast that can hit timely shots and string together defensive stops.
Listed at 6 foot 6 and 186 pounds, Isaiah Evans is a lengthy wing who was one of Duke's best defenders and outside shooters. Evans made a significant sophomore leap and started every game for the Blue Devils just like Cam Boozer. This past season, he averaged 15 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 1.4 stocks (steals and blocks) per game.
Evans will have to get stronger at the next level and improve his shot diet just to make it more rounded. However, it is still easy to see the path to Evans becoming a high-level defender in the NBA while also giving a team like the Grizzlies offensive value. While Boozer was the main driving force that led Duke to the Elite Eight, it was clear that Evans was one of his most valuable teammates.
It is clear that Zach Kleiman is building an identity that really focuses on getting bigger and stronger. Even though Evans will have to fill out his frame, he brings length and the defensive toughness needed in Memphis. It also helps that Evans is a skilled perimeter shooter and can be trusted to hit big shots.
If the Grizzlies end up sticking at the #32 pick, the Grizzlies have an obvious choice to reunite Isaiah Evans with Cam Boozer if he is available.
Add us as a preferred source on Google