Iman Shumpert names perfect partner for Ja Morant in 2026 NBA Draft

Morant led the team to immense success early in his time with the organization, but the team has struggled in the past few years, plagued by Morant’s lengthy absences from the court due to injury and other issues. But Shumpert said that the perfect pairing for the Grizzlies alongside Morant is former UNC star Caleb Wilson, who the Grizzlies could take with the number three pick in tomorrow’s draft.

He laid out his reasoning in the latest edition of ESPN’s NBA Today.

“ My biggest question is, uh, what does Memphis choose to do? Uh, ’cause if I was them, I would take Caleb Wilson over [Cam] Boozer.  I just would do it because if people are saying what they’re saying, the sources that I know would say that Ja Morant is immovable at the moment, which is why they’ve had such a hard time. I know the relationship is done, but if you have to put him back in a jersey, put him next to Caleb Wilson. Let them run and be free and have fun and yell and do everything that they wanna do. And then bring Boozer over here. Boozer to Chicago. Come over here.

In his freshman season at UNC, he averaged 19.8 points, 9.4 rebounds, and 2.7 assists. While he’s not an efficient three-point shooter, at 25.9% from long range, he’s shown he’s willing to take the shot and can potentially improve his shooting. His athleticism and ability in the pick-and-roll could fare well with Morant should the two be able to share the floor together.

But Wilson being chosen over Cam Boozer could be a tall task to ask of the rebuilding team, as ClutchPoints Senior NBA Reporter Brett Siegel features Boozer being drafted by Memphis in his NBA Mock Draft 4.0. But Memphis finds themselves in a prime position to either find their star of the future or provide Morant with a young prospect that he can work in tandem with to bring a winning culture back to the team.