The Memphis Grizzlies shocked the NBA community when they traded former Defensive Player of the Year Jaren Jackson Jr. to the Utah Jazz. It was an unexpected trade deadline move that saw Memphis officially commit to a new direction down low.
Even with Zach Edey at center, though, the question persisted: Who would replace Jackson at power forward? The answer: A new franchise player in Cameron Boozer.
Welcome to the 〽️ @CameronBoozer12 pic.twitter.com/BxNlNg1CQp
— Memphis Grizzlies (@memgrizz) June 24, 2026
Memphis selected Boozer with the No. 3 overall selection in the 2026 NBA Draft. It was a clear declaration of their belief in a player who had received genuine hype as a candidate to go No. 1 overall in one of the most promising classes in recent NBA history.
Instead, Boozer fell to the Grizzlies at No. 3 and will have a golden opportunity to become the offensive hub for a team that's flush with promising young talent.
It's admittedly difficult to imagine Boozer reaching Jackson's level on the defensive end of the floor. Jackson is, after all, a three-time All-Defense honoree. In saying that, Boozer has the offensive potential Memphis has been searching for as a big they can build their system around.
If Boozer lives up to his offensive potential, then he'll certainly qualify as an upgrade over Jackson as the offensive player Memphis has needed to make the leap.
Cameron Boozer can be the offensive hub Grizzlies needed down low
Boozer, 18, finished his freshman season with averages of 22.5 points, 10.2 rebounds, 3.4 offensive boards, 4.1 assists, 1.4 steals, and 0.8 blocks in 33.5 minutes per game. He did so while shooting the lights out at a clip of .556/.391/.789.
Standing at 6'8.25" without shoes and 252.8 pounds with a 7'1.5" wingspan and a 35.0" vertical leap, Boozer has the combination of size, length, skill, and athleticism to be a tremendous pro.
Beyond the numbers and measurables, there isn't much Boozer can't do on the court. Offensively, he's a three-level scoring threat who can post up, face up, drive from 24 feet, space the floor, and operate from midrange with extreme efficiency.
Boozer is also a gifted passer who can hit slashers, shooters, and lob threats alike as an epitomization of the modern trend toward playmaking bigs. He's also a tremendous offensive rebounder.
Defensively, Boozer has some questions marks, but his length and athleticism lend themselves to success on that end of the floor. He does a solid job of staying in front of athletic forwards and has a presence as a defensive playmaker with the timing and ability to end possessions.
Jackson set a high bar as a two-time All-Star, but Boozer has the tools to be the upgrade the Grizzlies needed based on the direction of the franchise.
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