The Memphis Grizzlies traded two-time All-Star and former NBA Defensive Player of the Year Jaren Jackson Jr. to the Utah Jazz prior to the trade deadline in February. Now, they’ll be tasked with replacing him in the frontcourt for the future.
Perhaps they’ll be able to do so in the upcoming 2026 NBA Draft.
Memphis Grizzlies select Duke Forward Cameron Boozer in First Round of 2026 NBA Mock Draft
GettyGREENVILLE, SOUTH CAROLINA – MARCH 21: Cameron Boozer #12 of the Duke Blue Devils runs downt the court against the Texas Christian University Horned Frogs during the second half in the second round of the 2026 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Bon Secours Wellness Arena on March 21, 2026 in Greenville, South Carolina. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)
The Grizzlies were awarded the No. 3 overall pick in June’s draft, and in a post-combine mock draft for Bleacher Report, Jonathan Wasserman has Memphis selecting Duke forward Cameron Boozer.
Boozer and Jackson Jr. obviously aren’t the same player, as Jackson is a better defender while Boozer is more polished offensively. The point is that Boozer would fill the hole left by Jackson if drafted by Memphis.
“Cameron Boozer left the NBA combine without any new concerns arising over his size or athletic traits. He measured almost identically to Al Horford and tested middle of the pack, as expected. Unless the Memphis Grizzlies are enamored with the idea of replacing Ja Morant with Darius Acuff Jr., they’ll be picking between Boozer and Caleb Wilson,” Wasserman wrote.
“Despite some scouts suddenly preferring Wilson, Boozer’s bulk and superior ball-handling, shotmaking, passing and analytics should give him an edge in Memphis.”
The Grizzlies are widely expected to trade guard Ja Morant over the offseason, so they could also potentially look to use their top pick in the draft to replace him in the backcourt. Either way, the Grizzlies are a team with a lot of needs, so there isn’t really a wrong answer when it comes to what position they target.
Cameron Boozer Confident he Can Contribute to Winning at the NBA Level
GettyCHICAGO, ILLINOIS – NOVEMBER 27: Cameron Boozer #12 of the Duke Blue Devils dribbles against the Arkansas Razorbacks during the second half of the CBS Thanksgiving Classic at the United Center on November 27, 2025 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
When it comes to what he can bring to an NBA team, Boozer, the son of NBA All-Star Carlos Boozer, is confident that he can contribute to winning at the highest level.
“Whether I go 1, 2 or 3 or whatever the case may be, I think winning and what I bring to the team, my resume, it shows for itself,” Boozer said, via Andscape. “If a team wants to hang a banner in the rafters, I’m definitely the guy.”
As a team that has never hung a banner, that has to sound like music to the ears of Memphis’ front office. Given his skill set and the Grizzlies’ need for young talent in the frontcourt, Boozer could be a solid selection for the franchise.
Grizzlies Add Jaren Jackson Jr. Replacement With No. 3 Overall Pick in 2026 NBA Mock Draft