Ahead of the 2026-27 NBA season, ESPN is ranking the top-100 players in the NBA. Despite having zero NBA experience, recent No. 3 overall pick Cameron Boozer was ranked No. 85, over many NBA notables. Boozer, who would have been a No. 1 overall pick in many other draft classes, landed with the Memphis Grizzlies after AJ Dybantsa (Wizards) and Darryn Peterson (Jazz) went No. 1 and No. 2 overall.
Last season, Boozer was special for Duke, averaging 22.5 points, 10.2 rebounds, 4.1 assists, 1.4 steals and 0.6 blocks. Boozer took home the AP Player of the Year Award, the Wooden Award and the Naismith Award. He also joined a prestigious company, becoming the first underclassman to average 20 or more points, 10 or more rebounds and four or more assists since
NBA Hall of Famer Larry Bird did at Indiana State during the 1976-77 campaign.
In comparison to other incoming rookies, Boozer may have the largest runway, as Memphis traded away two of their biggest franchise pieces within the last year. Former Defensive Player of the Year Award winner Jaren Jackson Jr. was dealt to Utah at the February trade deadline while two-time All-Star point guard Ja Morant was traded to the Portland Trail Blazers in June.
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This article originally appeared on Duke Wire: Cameron Boozer ranked among top-100 NBA players ahead of rookie season
