Which Grizzlies Rookies Crack the Rotation this Season

Mar 29, 2026; Washington, DC, USA; Duke Blue Devils forward Cameron Boozer (12) grabs the ball in front of UConn Huskies forward Jaylin Stewart (3) 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: Amber Searls-Imagn Images IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Which Grizzlies Rookies Crack the Rotation this Season

Originally posted on Memphis Grizzlies on SI
By Adel Burton | Last updated Sep 22, 2026 11:09 AM ET

Add us as a preferred source on Google

The Memphis Grizzlies are a couple of weeks away from the start of training camp . They will have plenty of competition this year especially at the guard spot according to reporting by Mateo Mayorga.

What I find particularly fascinating every year as an NBA draft specialist will be the rookie’s journey and the Grizzlies have several. Let’s take a deep dive into their role, fit and outlook for the upcoming season. First, up picked third overall Cameron Boozer.

IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

6’6” | 205 lbs | Guard | BYU | 32nd

Role: Richie as of February was still grinding back from his ACL surgery. "I've been just so focused on getting better and having a great foundation from a knee standpoint," Saunders said. "It's been a grind. It's been work. That's what I've done my whole career is work. It's been in a different, more focused way, but it's been work. And I'm just grateful to be here. Grateful to finish my rehab here." said Saunders.

Fit: Richie would be an excellent fit when healthy with his nonstop motor and movement shooting ability. He shot 37% from deep on 6.8 attempts per game in college. He did a little bit of everything while at BYU. He averaged 5.8 rebounds, 2.1 assists and 1.7 steals. There were times he led the team when Egor Demin was in school and Aj Dybantsa early in the year.

Outlook: My hope for Richie is that he gets healthy in time for the start of the season. This will give him the opportunity to catch up to his missed time in the G league. Hopefully by mid-season he will be ready to wet his feet and get some NBA minutes at the bottom of the rotation but that is unlikely to happen with the glut of guards on the Grizzlies this season.

You can follow me on X @DigitalAdel and listen to my podcast, DigitalAdelHoops on Youtube

This article first appeared on Memphis Grizzlies on SI and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: