Cameron Boozer is son of ‘super proud’ NBA All-Star set to continue family legacy as top-3 draft pick

Jun 24, 2026 - 08:30

Carlos Boozer brought the family name to basketball in 2002, and now his son will continue the legacy.

Duke standout Cameron Boozer was one of two first round picks by the Memphis Grizzlies, who are revamping the roster – and Boozer was the third name off the board, behind AJ Dybantsa and Darryn Peterson,

Cameron Boozer #12 and Cayden Boozer #2 of the Duke Blue Devils looks on prior to a game against the UConn Huskies in the Elite Eight of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Capital One Arena on March 29, 2026 — Boozer is set to be a top-3 NBA Draft pick, and is ready to continue his father’s legacy

Dybantsa was selected by the Washington Wizards, and Peterson by the Utah Jazz, but Memphis will now be home for Boozer and dad Carlos couldn’t be more proud.

Cameron Boozer set to continue family legacy in NBA

“One of the tough things was, as a dad, the excellence bat. He couldn’t just be ‘Cameron’ — that last name followed him,” Boozer Sr. said, on the eve of the draft.

“People couldn’t wait to play him, people couldn’t wait to talk trash and see what he’s made of. And that’s part of what builds him the way he is.

“He didn’t mind the competition, people coming for him. Because he’s coming for them, too.

View Tweet: https://x.com/CameronBoozer12?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw

“As a parent, you always want you kids to be smarter, to be better than what you did. In a situation, even now, he has a chance to be No.1 in the draft.

“I wasn’t ever going to be No.1 in the draft, so that’s an awesome experience.

“I’ve had so many moment where I’m watching and getting chills. These super proud dad moments, they just haven’t stopped.”

Cameron has built his draft stock at Duke, the same school his dad won the NCAA Championship with in 2001.

While he didn’t quite go all the way in March Madness like pops, he had a stunning season in Durham, averaging 22.5 points, 10.2 rebounds, and 4.1 assists as he dominated the boards.

Cayden Boozer #2 talks with Cameron Boozer #12 of the Duke Blue Devils during the game against the SMU Mustangs at Cameron Indoor Stadium on January 10, 2026 — Cameron played alongside brother Cayden in high school and at Duke

Carlos Boozer, former NBA player and father of Cayden Boozer #2 and Cameron Boozer #12 of the Duke Blue Devils (not pictured) claps against the Arkansas Razorbacks during the second half of the CBS Thanksgiving Classic at the United Center on November 27, 2025 — Dad Carlos watched them closely throughout their time with the Blue Devils

Boozer wasn’t alone on the Blue Devils, either.

His twin brother, Cayden Boozer, also stepped up in big moments as Duke stormed the Atlantic Coast Conference and won the conference tournament.

Boozer twins gave dad ‘chills’ with Duke exploits

“I got the chills so many times watching my kids wear the same jersey I wore 25 years ago,” Carlos explained.

“They were excelling and playing outstandingly.

“Cameron was the best player in the country all year long and showed up huge every single night and Cayden had spectacular moments when we needed him the most.

“Caleb Foster goes down, and Cayden steps in right away and played great and proved he’s a starting point guard in college and he’s ready to have a breakout sophomore season.”

Cameron Boozer #12 of the Duke Blue Devils reacts after getting his jersey torn on a play against the St. John's Red Storm during the Sweet Sixteen round game of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament held at Capital One Arena on March 27, 2026 — Cameron could be called by one of his dad’s former teams, the Jazz

While Cayden will stay at Duke for at least one more year, Cameron declared for the NBA Draft following his freshman season.

If the Jazz indeed come calling at No.2, he will head to the same city where his dad played for six years, and is currently a member of the front office.

Ahead of the draft, Carlos offered his eldest some solid advice, regardless of where he ends up.

“I was definitely nervous getting ready for the draft, and just seeing where the next steps will take me,” Carlos, who was the No.35 pick in 2002, said.

Carlos Boozer #5 of the Utah Jazz looks on in the first half while taking on the Los Angeles Lakers during Game Two of the Western Conference Semifinals of the 2010 NBA Playoffs at Staples Center on May 4, 2010 — Carlos offered his son some advice ahead of the NBA Draft

“But as I’ve gotten older, I’ve realized that the time you get nervous, or get a little anxiety, are the times you know you’re really alive.

“Embrace that nervousness, embrace those butterflies, because those are special moments. You only live it once, so enjoy it while you have it.

“Continue to be who you are, just Cam. People are going to love you for who you are, people are not going to love you for who you are.

“But one of the best qualities about you is that you continue to be yourself, no matter what the environment. Keep being you.”

Boozer will be joined in Memphis by Karim Lopez, who became the first Mexican-born first round pick in the NBA Draft when he was taken 21st overall.

Trading back twice from the 16th overall selection, the Grizzlies not only snagged Lopez – who has been playing his basketball in Australia’s NBL – but five future second round picks.

It’s clear Memphis are building for the long term, and Ja Morant could be the latest departure – but Boozer and Lopez represent the first glipse into the future.

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