Cameron Boozer Says Versatility Sets Him Apart, Cites Knicks As Model
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Cameron Boozer Says Versatility Sets Him Apart, Cites Knicks As Model Cameron Boozer said his ability to fill multiple roles on the floor is what sets him apart, pointing to the New York Knicks' championship run as a blueprint for the kind of versatile play teams now covet. The Memphis Grizzlies' first round draft pick spoke to The Athletic about his approach following a standout summer league performance.
"Versatility is the name of the game. That's what teams are looking for," said Boozer. "Teams want five guys who can make plays. Look at the Knicks this year. Everyone on that team was capable of doing more than one thing. Everyone was capable of playing on or off the basketball. That's what I feel like I can do best. I can screen. I can handle it. You can put me in a lot of different scenarios."
Boozer closely studied New York's title run, taking note of how the team shared the ball, moved cohesively on both ends of the floor, and relied on players capable of multiple skill sets rather than a single dominant scorer. Those observations shaped his own vision for how he wants to impact games as a professional.
That approach was on full display during a dominant 10-day stretch at summer league, where Boozer averaged 18.5 points, eight rebounds, 3.7 assists and 1.8 steals per game. His performance helped lead Memphis to the Las Vegas Summer League championship game, a narrow loss to the Golden State Warriors.
Selected third overall in the 2026 draft behind AJ Dybantsa and Darryn Peterson, Boozer is expected to be a day-one starter for the Grizzlies alongside Cedric Coward, last season's All-Rookie First Team selection. His combination of playmaking, physicality and positional flexibility as a 6-foot-10 forward has drawn comparisons to the multi-skilled roster construction that defined New York's championship approach.
Cameron Boozer said his ability to fill multiple roles on the floor is what sets him apart, pointing to the New York Knicks’ championship run as a blueprint for the kind of versatile play teams now covet. The Memphis Grizzlies’ first round draft pick spoke to The Athletic about his approach following a standout summer league performance.
“Versatility is the name of the game. That’s what teams are looking for,” said Boozer. “Teams want five guys who can make plays. Look at the Knicks this year. Everyone on that team was capable of doing more than one thing. Everyone was capable of playing on or off the basketball. That’s what I feel like I can do best. I can screen. I can handle it. You can put me in a lot of different scenarios.”
Boozer closely studied New York’s title run, taking note of how the team shared the ball, moved cohesively on both ends of the floor, and relied on players capable of multiple skill sets rather than a single dominant scorer. Those observations shaped his own vision for how he wants to impact games as a professional.
That approach was on full display during a dominant 10-day stretch at summer league, where Boozer averaged 18.5 points, eight rebounds, 3.7 assists and 1.8 steals per game. His performance helped lead Memphis to the Las Vegas Summer League championship game, a narrow loss to the Golden State Warriors.
Selected third overall in the 2026 draft behind AJ Dybantsa and Darryn Peterson, Boozer is expected to be a day-one starter for the Grizzlies alongside Cedric Coward, last season’s All-Rookie First Team selection. His combination of playmaking, physicality and positional flexibility as a 6-foot-10 forward has drawn comparisons to the multi-skilled roster construction that defined New York’s championship approach.
