After leading Duke to the Elite Eight last season, Cameron Boozer is eager to help the Memphis Grizzlies turn things around and affect winning this year as a rookie.
Boozer was the consensus National Player of the Year, averaging 22.5 points, 10.2 rebounds and 4.1 assists while shooting 39.1% from 3-point range. He is the only freshman in history
to tally at least 700 points, 300 rebounds and 100 assists in a single season.The third overall pick enters training camp on Tuesday as one of the favorites to win Rookie of the Year. While the annual award would certainly be welcomed, Boozer is putting the Grizzlies' success on the court ahead of his own this season.
"I have goals, but at the end of the day, if you win games, it's going to help you achieve
those goals," Boozer said on Monday. "For me, the biggest thing is impacting winning, whatever that means for me this year. If I help the team win games, I'm going to put myself in a great position to win Rookie of the Year or achieve any other goals that I have."
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Boozer ranked second in the country in points (855), second in field goals (290), third in rebounds (389) and fifth in free throws (221). He was also tied for the most double-doubles with 22, becoming just the second Duke freshman to reach that total in a season.
The 6-foot-8 Boozer is highly touted because of his ability to score in various ways, along with his playmaking, ball-handling and maturity. Coach Tuomas Iisalo is eager to begin scheming different lineups and plays for him.
"His passing is already at a very, very high level, and I think that'll be something that we definitely utilize," Iisalo said on Monday. "It is really more like pruning certain things, not starting with everything but going step by step, because we have to understand that, even though he is very developed for his age both mentally and physically, he is a 19-year-old going into his first NBA year, and there will be an adjustment period for him."
Boozer debuted with the Grizzlies in summer league, averaging 18.5 points, eight rebounds, 3.7 assists and 1.8 steals. He was named to the All-Summer League first team, ranking second in points (111) among all players in Las Vegas.
The son of former 13-year veteran Carlos Boozer wants to keep showcasing the traits that made him a high draft pick. He has been honing his skills throughout the summer in the weight room and in pick-up games and is ready to prove himself.
"I think (people are) going to see my feel for the game, my decision-making, attacking defenders, getting downhills, making reads, whether it is a lob to guys like Zach (Edey) or kicking out and finishing at the rim," Boozer said. "I think the main thing is you're going to see me making plays and being a decision-maker."
This article originally appeared on Rookie Wire: Grizzlies' Cameron Boozer reveals expectations for rookie season
