The Memphis Grizzlies made it official on draft night. Cameron Boozer is the guy now. With the third overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, the franchise effectively handed him the keys after trading Ja Morant earlier this offseason. That move signaled a full reset, and Memphis went all in on building around Boozer for the long haul.
The Grizzlies had a busy night beyond the top pick. They traded down twice from the 16th spot, picking up five second-rounders in the process, before landing at No. 21 to select Karim Lopez, a 6-foot-8 forward with serious two-way potential. Then they added Richie Saunders, a 24-year-old sharpshooter from BYU, as a cherry on top.
Here is how each pick fits into what Memphis is trying to build.
Boozer Looks Like the Real Deal
Boozer was dominant in his lone season at Duke. The numbers are absurd: 22.5 points, 10.2 rebounds, and 4.1 assists per game on 56/39/79 shooting splits. He was playing against older competition and still looked like a grown man out there. His ferocity around the rim and his ability to create his own shot off the dribble make him a walking mismatch at 6-foot-9.
But there is a catch. Boozer is not a quick-twitch athlete. He lacks elite vertical explosion and lateral quickness, which could cause problems on defense at the next level. He was disruptive in college (over a steal per game) and he tries hard on that end, but he does not project as a rim protector. That caps his two-way ceiling a bit.
The good news? He will share the frontcourt with Zach Edey, a 7-foot-4 shot blocker. Memphis can also surround him with long, rangy defenders to cover for his limitations. On offense, Boozer could be a perennial 25-and-10 threat. That makes this pick a no-brainer for a team desperate for a new star.
Grade: A+
Karim Lopez Is a Project Worth Taking
Lopez has the kind of physical tools that make scouts drool. He measured at 6-foot-8.25 barefoot with a 6-foot-11 wingspan and a 38-inch vertical. That is a lot of raw material for a rebuilding team to work with.
His offensive game is still rough. He shot just 32.6 percent from deep last season with the New Zealand Breakers in the NBL, on three attempts per game. His calling card right now is his motor. He is active on the boards and disruptive on defense, averaging 2.2 stocks at just 19 years old.
The swing skill is his jumper. If Lopez can become a consistent shooter, he locks down a rotation spot for years. Even if he doesn’t, his defensive energy alone should earn him minutes under head coach Tuomas Iisalo.
Grade: B+
Richie Saunders Is Ready to Play Right Now
Saunders is old for a rookie. He will turn 25 before the 2026-27 season starts, but that didn’t scare Memphis off. They saw a plug-and-play wing who knows his role and doesn’t try to do too much.
He projects as a movement shooter who can make quick decisions on the catch. He also holds his own on defense and creates turnovers. For a team that just turned over its roster, having a steady, mature guy like Saunders in the second round is a smart add.
Grade: B
Leave a Comment