Cam Boozer stuns in the NBA: Draymond Green is amazed by him

The NBA is just beginning to discover Cam Boozer, but the number three pick from the last Draft is already putting up performances that suggest something great. The rookie for the Memphis Grizzlies tallied 25 points, 13 rebounds, and six assists against the Golden State Warriors, leading his team to a comeback and earning praise from a veteran as demanding as Draymond Green. His impact goes far beyond the statistics.

Draymond Green, surprised by Cam Boozer's talent

Green knows perfectly well what the NBA demands and usually does not offer compliments easily. However, after facing Boozer for the first time, he admitted that the young big man had particularly impressed him with his strength, his personality on the court, and technical skills that exceeded what he expected to find in a rookie.

I have been very impressed with Cam Boozer since the start of the season, and even more so after going up against him for the first time. He is very strong, does not shy away from challenges, and talks on the court. He has impressed me tremendously. It will be interesting to follow his evolution during the season and see how his career starts to develop, explained Green.

The Warriors player also highlighted one of the characteristics that surprised him the most: Boozer's ability to handle the ball despite his size. Green expected to encounter a player capable of putting up good numbers, but not necessarily with such a variety of offensive skills.

I thought he would be a 20-point, 10-rebound player, but I didn’t imagine he would do it this way: with three-pointers, drives, post moves, and offensive rebounds. I didn’t know he had all that, added the Golden State veteran.

This is not a minor comparison. Even before the season started, Green had compared Boozer's profile to that of Tim Duncan, highlighting his ability to produce results without constantly relying on spectacular plays. Now, after witnessing it firsthand, his initial impressions seem to be confirmed.

Cam Boozer responds with numbers and personality

The game against the Warriors was the best demonstration of why he is starting to generate so much excitement. Boozer finished with 25 points, 13 rebounds, and six assists, along with four made three-pointers, and took on responsibilities when Memphis needed him the most.

The Grizzlies found themselves 11 points down in the final quarter but responded with a devastating 17-0 run to ultimately win 111-108. Boozer played a starring role in the comeback, scoring a crucial drive against Brandin Podziemski with 20 seconds left, a play that put Memphis ahead and tilted the game.

Most notably, the rookie had started his NBA journey facing struggles in front of the basket: in his debut against Utah, he converted only two of his 15 shots, though he contributed 11 rebounds and five assists. Rather than getting discouraged, he responded with a performance full of personality against Golden State.

That ability to influence the game even when not hitting shots is one of the aspects the Grizzlies value most. His coach, Tuomas Iisalo, already praised after the debut his rebounding work, his defense against Lauri Markkanen, and his ability to contribute in various positions.

Boozer does not need to limit himself to scoring. He can create advantages with the ball, find teammates, play close to the basket, and punish from the perimeter. This versatility helps explain why Memphis has started the season with good feelings.

It is still early to draw definitive conclusions about his ceiling in the NBA. But, at just 19 years old, Cam Boozer is already showing that he can compete against experienced players and decide games. And when someone like Draymond Green publicly acknowledges that he has been surprised, it is worth paying attention.

This is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Cam Boozer ya asombra en la NBA: Draymond Green alucina con él