Cameron Boozer Could Be the Next Duke Star to Land in Sacramento - and That’s Stirring Up Some Familiar Anxiety
Duke has become a launchpad for NBA stardom in the one-and-done era, and the pipeline shows no signs of slowing. Last year alone, Cooper Flagg headlined the NBA Draft as the sixth Blue Devil to go No. 1 overall, while Kon Knueppel and Khaman Maluach joined him in the top 10. Now, all eyes are on Cameron Boozer - a five-star freshman already making waves as arguably the best player in college basketball.
Boozer is a strong contender for the No. 1 overall pick in what’s shaping up to be a loaded 2026 draft class. But as any top prospect knows, being one of the first names off the board often comes with a catch - landing on a struggling team still trying to find its identity.
And according to a recent mock draft following the NBA trade deadline, that’s exactly the scenario taking shape. Boozer is projected to go No. 2 overall… to the Sacramento Kings.
Déjà Vu for Duke?
If you’re a Duke fan, you’ve seen this movie before. Boozer would be the sixth Blue Devil selected with the No. 2 pick, joining names like Jabari Parker, Jay Williams, and most recently, Marvin Bagley III - who also went second overall to Sacramento in 2018.
Bagley’s time with the Kings never quite took off. Drafted one spot ahead of Luka Doncic - a decision that still stings in Northern California - Bagley entered the league with sky-high expectations as a versatile frontcourt scorer.
But the fit in Sacramento was rocky from the start. Over four seasons, the Kings failed to crack 40 wins, and Bagley’s development stalled.
He was eventually traded to Detroit and has since bounced around the league, never fully finding his footing.
Now, Boozer could be walking into a similar situation.
What Makes Boozer Different
Let’s be clear: Boozer is not Bagley. While both entered the draft spotlight with tantalizing offensive upside, Boozer brings a more polished, well-rounded game. He’s a high-IQ passer with elite feel for the game, and he’s consistently shown the ability to elevate his teammates - the kind of player who can be the offensive hub of a modern NBA team.
Defensively, Boozer isn’t a vertical shot-blocker or a rim protector in the traditional sense, but he uses his frame and instincts well. He’s strong, smart, and knows how to position himself to cut off driving lanes and dominate the glass. His game isn’t built on flash - it’s built on substance.
That said, Sacramento presents a unique challenge. The franchise has a long history of mismanaging young talent, and the roster construction has often felt more reactive than strategic. If Boozer lands there, the question becomes whether the Kings can build the right infrastructure around him - or whether he’ll be asked to do too much, too soon, in a system that doesn’t complement his strengths.
Too Good to Fail?
There’s a real chance Boozer is simply too talented, too smart, and too driven to fall short - no matter where he lands. He’s been a winner at every level, and his skill set translates cleanly to today’s NBA.
But Sacramento has a way of testing even the most promising players. It’s a place where potential has historically gone to stall, not soar.
For now, the draft lottery will hold the key. If the Kings’ ping pong ball comes up early, Duke fans may once again find themselves holding their breath - hoping that this time, the story ends differently.