Cameron

Boozer

One game removed from scoring 24 points on 10-of-13 shooting, Boozer didn’t have the best day shooting the basketball against the Rockets. However, he found other ways to add value, most notably as a rebounder and facilitator. Viewed by some as a player who possesses the highest floor in this summer’s draft class, that label may be selling Boozer’s ceiling short. His ability to affect games as a scorer, rebounder and facilitator makes him one of the top fantasy rookies, and the defense should not be overlooked, either.

Boozer and the Grizzlies needed a big win to clinch a spot in Saturday’s semifinals, and they understood the assignment from the opening tip. Memphis led 32-2 and never looked back, going on to win 96-64. Boozer made things look easy for himself against the shorthanded Hawks, scoring on all three levels and also doing some facilitating. With Memphis now in the semifinals, any thoughts about a potential shutdown for Boozer and the other summer Grizzlies who are guaranteed roles for next season can be put to rest.

Boozer didn’t have the best day shooting the basketball, but that doesn’t matter much when seven Grizzlies reach double figures in a 106-85 victory. Also, the third overall pick does not need to score to provide fantasy value, as evidenced by the rebounds, assists and steals. The Grizzlies play their fourth game in Las Vegas on Thursday, and it’s fair to wonder if Boozer will be shut down. Counting Salt Lake City, he has played a lot of basketball over the last two weeks, and there doesn’t seem to be much that the Grizzlies haven’t seen from their lottery pick.

Boozer did not shoot the ball as accurately as he did in Friday’s win over the Bulls, but he had another productive day at the office. The rookie forward’s stat line was missing only a blocked shot, with a 2-of-8 effort from deep accounting for the low field-goal percentage. Boozer played well in Salt Lake City and he’s carried that over to Las Vegas. Given the amount of basketball that he’s played, the third overall pick in last month’s draft may be a prime shutdown candidate for the rest of this week.

Chicago’s Caleb Wilson may have stolen the show in the matchup of the top-5 draft picks, but Boozer had an excellent game in his own right. The rookie forward led five Grizzlies starters in double figures, with the lone negative being his four turnovers. They haven’t shared the floor in an official game yet, but Boozer already appears to have established good chemistry with Cedric Coward, which bodes well for the Grizzlies moving forward. Since Boozer also played in Salt Lake City, he may not play every game in Las Vegas.

Making his second appearance of the summer, Boozer shot 4-of-5 from beyond the arc on Monday. During his lone season at Duke, the 6-foot-8 forward made 39.1 percent of his 3.6 three-point attempts per game, so Boozer is clearly a capable shooter. With the Grizzlies acquiring Isaiah Stewart and tendering an offer sheet to Quinten Post while still having Zach Edey, Boozer’s path to consistent minutes will be at power forward, which is perfectly fine. If he can consistently knock down perimeter shots, that would only enhance his fantasy value next season. Boozer may not be the first rookie selected in standard league drafts, but he merits consideration.

As the No. 3 pick in the draft last month, there were high expectations for Boozer’s first summer league game, and he certainly looked the part of a franchise player. His scoring and passing ability were both on display early and often. It’s good for him to get these reps in, but he may only make a couple more appearances this summer. He should slot in as the starting power forward for Memphis on opening night and be one of the best rookies in fantasy basketball.

Boozer is one of the top prospects in the draft class, regardless of position. While he offers a high floor, that may be selling his long-term ceiling short. A consensus All-American, the 6-foot-8 forward averaged 22.5 points, 10.1 rebounds, 4.1 assists, 1.4 steals and 1.4 three-pointers in 33.4 minutes at Duke, shooting 55.6 percent from the field, 39.1 percent from three and 78.9 percent from the foul line. Boozer’s physicality and work ethic make him a good choice for any franchise looking to reset its roster. He should slot in as the starting power forward for Memphis after they traded Jaren Jackson Jr. to Utah at the trade deadline. Boozer should fit in well alongside Zach Edey in the starting unit and become the franchise cornerstone for the Grizzlies.