The Memphis Grizzlies took Cameron Boozer third overall in the 2026 NBA Draft, and two Summer League games in, it’s looking like a pick that could reshape the franchise. Boozer followed up a solid 15-point, four-rebound, four-assist debut against the Thunder with an even better showing Monday night: 18 points, seven rebounds, four assists, shooting 6-of-9 from the field and 4-of-5 from three in a 109-100 loss to the Utah Jazz.
What’s jumping out isn’t just the counting stats. It’s how polished he already looks on offense. Boozer is scoring from all three levels — pulling up off the dribble, spotting up from deep, and bullying his way inside against guys who are supposed to be bigger and more athletic. He’s not rushing. He’s not forcing shots. For a 19-year-old rookie, that kind of patience is rare.
He didn’t even lead the team in shot attempts
What makes his numbers even more impressive is that Boozer wasn’t the primary option on Monday. That was Cedric Coward, who launched 21 shots. Boozer took 9. That efficiency — 6-of-9, with four assists on top of it — is exactly the kind of low-maintenance scoring the Grizzlies need to pair with Ja Morant and Desmond Bane whenever those guys are healthy and available.
It’s early. It’s Summer League. But the way Tuomas Iisalo is running the offense already tilts toward Boozer’s strengths. He’s flashing court vision that makes you think he could run pick-and-roll as a primary playmaker sooner than later. He’s also shown he’s willing to move without the ball and hit the open man when defenses collapse. That unselfishness is going to play.
The athleticism question isn’t going away
There are legitimate concerns on defense. Boozer isn’t a freak athlete. He doesn’t explode off the floor or slide laterally like a lockdown wing. NBA teams are going to test him, especially in space. But the Grizzlies knew that when they took him. They bet on the offensive polish and the confidence. So far, that bet looks smart.
Boozer walked into the league as one of the most NBA-ready prospects in his class. He’s proving it. If he keeps shooting like this — 4-of-5 from deep against the Jazz — he’s going to force defenses to respect him way out to the arc. That opens up everything else. And Memphis, which has been searching for a true frontcourt anchor ever since the Jaren Jackson Jr. era began shifting, might have just found one.
Two Summer League games. That’s all. But the Grizzlies have to like what they’re seeing.
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