Cameron Boozer Had a Quick Response for Anyone Worried About His 3-Point Shot

Cameron Boozer isn’t here for the narrative. After the Memphis Grizzlies fell 96-88 to the Dallas Mavericks in Summer League on Monday night, the rookie forward got asked about adjusting to the NBA three-point line. His answer was blunt. And it came with receipts.

Boozer finished with 21 points, 8 rebounds, 3 assists and 3 steals in 29 minutes. But he shot 2-of-8 from deep. That number caught the eye of ESPN’s Dave McMenamin, who asked Boozer before the fourth quarter whether the deeper line was something he’d need to work through during his rookie season.

“No … I don’t. I shot 40% at Duke. I don’t think it’s an adjustment,” Boozer said.

That’s the kind of confidence you want from the No. 3 pick. The guy basically told the world to check the tape. And he’s not wrong. Boozer shot 40 percent from three as a freshman at Duke, and his mechanics are clean. One off night in July isn’t going to rewrite his scouting report.

A rough night for Memphis, but Boozer showed flashes

Summer League isn’t really about the final score, but losing still stings. Memphis had this one close through three quarters, then Dallas pulled away with a 28-23 fourth quarter. The Grizzlies couldn’t slow down the Mavericks’ young guys when it mattered.

Still, Boozer did more than just talk. His stat line was stuffed. He got to the free throw line, grabbed boards, created turnovers. He just had a cold night from the perimeter. It happens. The guy shot 7-of-17 overall. Not great efficiency, but nobody’s writing a rookie off after a couple of Summer League games.

Olivier-Maxence Prosper had 18 points and 5 rebounds for Memphis. Cedric Coward added 17 and 12. Taylor Hendricks chipped in 9 points and 2 assists. That’s decent depth, but the team clearly runs through Boozer when he’s on the floor.

Next up: Warriors in Vegas

The Grizzlies get a quick turnaround. They face Golden State on Tuesday at 7 p.m. ET in Las Vegas. That’s another chance for Boozer to shake off the shooting funk and remind everyone why he went third overall.

If he hits a couple of threes early, don’t be surprised if he glances at the broadcast booth on his way back down the floor. That would be a very Cameron Boozer move.