The 2026 NBA draft is rapidly approaching, and there are still plenty of questions surrounding the players at the top of the class.
There seems to be very little consensus among analysts and fans. While it seems there is consensus that the No. 1 pick will be BYU’s AJ Dybantsa, beyond that, opinions are all over the place.
A notable drop in draft stock has been seen in Duke forward Cameron Boozer, son of longtime NBA player Carlos Boozer. Considered to be fighting for the top spot at the start of the year — after a phenomenal year at Duke with ridiculous numbers and some all-time great underlying stats — he’s dropped off the top of most draft boards, with some even drafting him as low as No. 4.
Despite this, it’s likely Boozer will be productive in the NBA from Day 1 and will likely be a fantasy favorite among rookies on the best DFS sites.
What’s happened to Cameron Boozer’s stock? Why are some so hesitant to draft such a proven player first? And where should he really be drafted?
Why Are Some Hesitant to Draft Boozer?
Cameron Boozer had a phenomenal season at Duke. His output was incredible, averaging 22.5 points (56% FG, 39% 3PT, 79% FT), 10.2 rebounds, 4.1 assists and 1.4 steals over 33.4 minutes per game as a freshman, and the primary scorer of arguably the biggest basketball college in the country.
The negativity that often infects the conversation around Boozer has little to do with his numbers— they’re indisputable. It’s more about his intangible qualities. The most common criticism of Boozer is labeling him as a player with a high floor and a low ceiling: his quality is obvious, but at times it looks as though he’s long enough, big enough or strong enough to get the buckets he’s been getting in college in the NBA.
His athleticism is a problem. He is a little flat-footed and lacks the explosiveness that draft analysts love. He’s not an athlete on the level of Dybantsa or Peterson. Some fear that his realistic projection for an NBA career aligns with his father’s: an excellent, stable role player. An asset, but not No. 1 pick material.
Boozer’s draft stock went down further when the draft lottery was decided. The Washington Wizards and the Utah Jazz, holders of picks No. 1 and No. 2, respectively, both seem better suited to other prospects.
The Case for Drafting Cameron Boozer High
The negativity among some fans about Boozer is a little baffling. His lack of explosiveness and his inability to tomahawk dunk seem to switch off some fans’ critical thinking. Boozer is a potential franchise cornerstone, ready to play 82 games from Day 1. He’s a fantastic scorer and would be a nailed-on No. 1 pick in many other years.
There is a reality where Cameron Boozer gets drafted No. 1. A Washington Wizards team going all-in with Anthony Davis and Trae Young would love an NBA-ready young star in Boozer. The Jazz are less suited to Boozer after trading for Jaren Jackson Jr., but would still benefit from him on the team.
The fact is, part of the reason Boozer has slid down draft boards is that he suits the Memphis Grizzlies so well. They’re a team that just traded their power forward and is heading into rebuild mode. The Chicago Bulls would benefit from him too — and it would be a really cool story — but they’ll get a solid consolation if they miss out on him by drafting Caleb Wilson, who perhaps suits them even better with his defensive abilities.
Boozer’s biggest strength is his ability to contribute on a playoff team immediately. Any team, whether they draft No. 1 or at No. 4, will be lucky to have a player of his caliber.
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