Grizzlies Predicted to Draft 6’9″ Big Man From Duke at No. 3 in New 2026 NBA Draft

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Grizzlies Predicted to Draft 6’9″ Big Man From Duke at No. 3 in New 2026 NBA Draft

Originally posted on AirJordanChronicles | By Utsav Sinha | Last updated May 11, 2026 9:54 PM ET

The 2026 NBA Draft could change everything for Memphis, and Cameron Boozer is the name at the top of their list. After a lucky break in the lottery, the Grizzlies are in a position to grab a top talent.

The latest mock draft from Yahoo Sports had everyone talking, as Analyst Kevin O’Connor predicted that the Memphis Grizzlies will use the No. 3 overall pick to select Boozer. The Grizzlies had a very small chance to move up, only about 9.4%, but they jumped from No. 6 all the way to No. 3.

This pick is important because Memphis just finished what can be called a year from hell. Everything that could go wrong did go wrong. Ja Morant missed many games with injuries. There were questions about the health of Zach Edey.

Mar 29, 2026; Washington, DC, USA; Duke Blue Devils forward Cameron Boozer (12) rebounds the ball against the UConn Huskies in the first half during an Elite Eight game of the East Regional of the men’s 2026 NCAA Tournament at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images

The front office also made big trades involving Jaren Jackson Jr. and Desmond Bane. These moves signaled that the team was moving away from being a contender and into a full rebuild.

Boozer shoots about 40% from the three-point line on high volume. Many scouts call him a “point-forward” because he can run the offense and pass like a guard. Pairing him with a center like Edey would give the Grizzlies a frontcourt for years to come.

During his freshman year at Duke, Boozer averaged 22.5 points and 10.2 rebounds per game. He also added 4.1 assists while shooting over 55% from the field. He won ACC Player of the Year and Naismith Player of the Year.

He recorded at least 13 points, 5 rebounds, and 2 assists in every single game he played. This level of consistency is hard to find in an 18-year-old.

Right now, the consensus is that AJ Dybantsa and Darryn Peterson will go with the first two picks. If that happens, Boozer is a near-lock for Memphis at No. 3. If he is available, it is hard to see them passing him up.

But if someone else takes him first, Memphis will have to look at other options.

What Other Prospects Could the Grizzlies Consider at No. 3?

Caleb Wilson is the most likely backup plan. Wilson is a 6’10” big man from North Carolina. He is a major lob threat and can protect the paint much better than Boozer. On paper, his physical tools might even fit better next to Edey when it comes to defending the rim and covering ground.

Wilson is more of a finisher who relies on others to set him up. For a team like Memphis that is trying to rebuild, they want the certainty that comes with Boozer. They need a player who can step in and lead from day one.

The Grizzlies could consider a guard like Labaron Philon Jr. to help the backcourt. It is important to remember that Memphis has other picks to work with in this draft. They hold the No. 16 pick and the No. 32 pick as well.

The 2026 NBA Draft is set for June 23 and 24. Moving up to the third pick was a huge win for the organization. Now, they have the chance to grab a player like Boozer who can lead them back to winning.

Do you think Boozer is the right fit, or should they go with a prospect like Wilson?

This article first appeared on AirJordanChronicles and was syndicated with permission.

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