Cameron Boozer didn’t waste any time showing why Memphis made him the No. 3 pick.
In his NBA Summer League debut Saturday in Salt Lake City, the reigning National Player of the Year looked every bit like a player who already understands how to run the floor at this level. Against the Oklahoma City Thunder, Boozer finished with 15 points on 7-of-11 shooting, along with four rebounds and four assists in 24 minutes.
The numbers were strong, but the real story was the way he played. Boozer’s feel for the game stood out immediately, and his basketball IQ was on full display.
He kept making the right read, the right pass and the right decision with the ball. That kind of processing is what makes him more than just a scorer.
Memphis beat Oklahoma City, and Boozer’s line was part of the reason the debut drew so much attention.
His passing could end up being the separator. At his size, the ability to facilitate gives him a chance to become something bigger than a high-level bucket-getter.
The Grizzlies can already see how that fits with Zach Edey, since Boozer can find him cleanly around the rim. If defenses collapse on Edey, Cedric Coward and other shooters should get open looks from the wing.
Boozer can also create for himself when he wants to. He has the strength to put his head down and get to the basket, but he doesn’t seem interested in forcing the issue. He plays with a steady hand and a clear sense of what the possession needs.
Memphis still has two more games in the Salt Lake City Summer League before heading to Vegas. The Grizzlies and Jazz meet Monday in a matchup that will feature No. 2 pick Darryn Peterson and Boozer, then Memphis closes the Utah portion of its schedule Tuesday against the Hawks.
After that, the Grizzlies open play in Vegas on Friday against the Chicago Bulls in what will be the first professional meeting between Boozer and former UNC star Caleb Wilson, the player selected one spot behind him in the draft.
That may be the last chance to catch Boozer this summer. Based on what Memphis saw Saturday, it may not need much more.
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Duke Fans May Be Reading Cam Williams Role All Wrong
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