The 2026 NBA Draft class is widely regarded as one of the strongest in recent memory. If NBA Summer League was any indication, the league’s future is in good hands.
The Memphis Grizzlieshope to be a major part of that future after selecting forward Cam Boozer with the No. 3 overall pick. Boozer impressed during summer league and now enters his rookie season with a chance to continue Memphis’ recent success in developing first-year players.
The Grizzlies have produced three All-Rookie first-team selections the past two seasons. Cedric Coward earned the honor last season, with Zach Edey and Jaylen Wells the year prior.
If Boozer builds on his summer league performance, he could become the franchise’s fourth consecutive All-Rookie first-team selection.
He also has an opportunity to accomplish something even more significant.
Boozer enters the 2026-27 season as one of the favorites to win NBA Rookie of the Year. If he captures the award, he would join Ja Morant (2020) and Pau Gasol (2002) as the only players in franchise history to earn the honor.
Why Cam Boozer is among the favorites
One reason Boozer has emerged as an early Rookie of the Year favorite is the opportunity awaiting him in Memphis.
The Grizzlies are expected to give him a significant role from the start, allowing him to play through the typical growing pains while putting up the type of production that attracts voters.
AJ Dybantsa, Caleb Wilson and Darryn Peterson are also among the leading candidates. Dybantsa (Washington) and Peterson (Utah) are joining teams with established high-volume scorers, which could limit their offensive opportunities. They’ll share the floor with players such as Anthony Davis, Trae Young, Lauri Markkanen, Jaren Jackson Jr. and Keyonte George, all of whom have been featured offensive options in recent seasons.
Wilson (Chicago) and Boozer are entering situations where they’ll be expected to contribute offensively right away. One potential advantage for Boozer is his projected role. The Bulls' offense will still run heavily through Josh Giddey as their primary playmaker, while Memphis is expected to ask Boozer to create for teammates in addition to scoring.
If Boozer thrives in that role, he should have a strong chance to post the counting statistics and overall impact needed to win Rookie of the Year.
Cam Boozer Rookie of the Year odds
BetMGM, FanDuel and DraftKings all list Boozer among the favorites to win Rookie of the Year. While the order behind him varies among Peterson, Dybantsa and Wilson, the consensus is that Boozer enters the season in a favorable position.
BetMGM lists him and Wilson as co-favorites at +300. The two squared off during NBA Summer League, with Wilson scoring 35 points and knocking down seven 3-pointers. Boozer finished with 23 points, six rebounds and four assists as the Grizzlies earned the victory.
FanDuel and DraftKings both list Boozer as the outright favorite.
Memphis has been in this position before. Edey also opened the 2024 season as BetMGM’s Rookie of the Year favorite at +300, though he ultimately fell short of the award.
Damichael Cole is the Memphis Grizzlies beat writer for The Commercial Appeal. Contact Damichael at damichael.cole@commercialappeal.com. Follow Damichael on X, formerly known as Twitter, @DamichaelC.
This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Is Cam Boozer NBA Rookie of the Year favorite? Here’s where he stands
