One of the biggest storylines for the upcoming NBA season is the arrival of a new rookie class. The 2026 draft class is viewed as potentially special, with multiple projected franchise players and All-Stars. A lottery pick in this summer’s draft recently received praise from NBA legend Kevin Garnett ahead of an expected Rookie of the Year-caliber season.
Kevin Garnett Compares Cameron Boozer to Nikola Jokić Ahead Of The NBA Season
Garnett discussed the Memphis Grizzlies’ NBA season outlook and believes the team’s top draft pick, Cameron Boozer, will make an immediate impact.
Garnett said, “He [Boozer] got the most give. He got the most I can get away, every night I can mess up and still, and he gonna be 20 and 10.” Garnett added, “He got a little Joker in his game. He’s a little more athletic.”
Selected third overall by the Grizzlies in this past Summer’s Draft, Boozer is expected to have a strong rookie season, and Garnett’s comments will add even more anticipation for his debut NBA season.
Boozer starred in his lone season at Duke University, winning the Associated Press National Player of the Year Award. He averaged 22.5 points, 10.2 rebounds, and 4.1 assists per game, while shooting 55.6% from the field and 39.1% from three.
The son of former NBA player Carlos Boozer, Cameron has his father’s signature low-post game but also a more diverse offensive game. While Garnett comparing Boozer to one of the NBA’s greatest offensive big men, Jokić, is sure to catch many fans’ and analysts’ attention, there are some similarities.
Boozer can score at every level, just like Jokić, and has also shown the ability to make reads and provide playmaking like a smaller player. Boozer shot 78.9% from the free-throw line at Duke.
However, Boozer also shares some of Jokić’s defensive questions, particularly when it comes to rim protection. While Boozer is a solid on-ball defender, he does not project as a traditional rim protector, and NBA guards will likely test him in pick-and-roll coverage.
As Garnett notes, the Grizzlies are rebuilding following the trades of All-Stars Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr. Boozer will be one of the Grizzlies’ primary offensive options this season and will likely develop into the team’s undisputed number one option at some point.
Boozeris excited to join the team’s young core, including Zach Edey, Cedric Coward, GG Jackson, and Jaylen Wells.
While the Grizzlies aren’t expected to make the playoffs, Garnett’s expectations for Boozer’s season could lead the team to exceed expectations.
This article originally appeared on Pro Football Network.