Cameron Boozer was drafted No. 3 overall by the Memphis Grizzlies, but in any other year, he very well could’ve gone first. Heck, it wouldn’t be a shock to see him end up becoming the best player of his draft class.
He’s shown a knack for controlling the offensive glass, finishing inside, getting downhill, reading the floor well, knocking down the 3-pointer and defending out on the perimeter. Those are all traits that will serve the Duke product well as a power forward or small-ball center.
The beauty of Boozer’s game is that he relies mostly on finesse rather than elite speed or power.
"That's what teams are looking for," Boozer said. "Teams want five guys who can make plays. Look at the Knicks this year. Everyone on that team was capable of doing more than one thing. Everyone was capable of playing on or off the basketball. That's what I feel like I can do best. I can screen. I can handle it. You can put me in a lot of different scenarios."
Boozer might not have the box office appeal of AJ Dybantsa or Darryn Peterson, but he could very well have a longer prime than the two players who were drafted over him.
But to Boozer’s point, the modern NBA rewards players who can do a little bit of everything because it gives coaches flexibility in terms of which players they could mix and match in certain lineups.
Boozer could just as easily play alongside a rugged center whose primary job is to catch lobs and protect the rim or operate as a small-ball center himself.
Boozer playing with a host of 3-point shooters who will help space the floor for him even more is a scary thought, as he’ll be given much more room to work with as he makes his way towards the rim.
Boozer figures to slot in alongside Zach Edey in the frontcourt, as Edey’s size and length near the rim should make life a lot easier for the Grizzlies’ defense.
Cedric Coward and Boozer could also form a nice partnership, given Coward’s ability to operate in the pick-and-roll, which should set Boozer up for easy looks as a roller.
The Grizzlies are likely set to finish towards the bottom of the league’s standings next season, but Boozer should be given all the opportunities to work on his all-around game the second he steps onto an NBA hardwood.
