Cameron Boozer posted 15 points, four rebounds and four assists in his summer league debut for the Memphis Grizzlies. The No. 3 overall pick helped the Grizzlies rout the Oklahoma City Thunder 111-74 on Saturday in Salt Lake City.
Boozer shot 7-of-11 from the field in 24 minutes. Memphis built double-digit advantages early, outscoring Oklahoma City 33-22 in the first quarter, 33-22 in the second and 19-8 in the third. The rookie forward looked fluid in a system that asks bigs to pass, cut and space the floor.
The performance came after only one week of practice with his new teammates. Boozer described the environment as comfortable because everyone played for each other and executed the right way. That cohesion stood out on a night when the Grizzlies moved the ball and shared the load without relying on a single creator.
Memphis traded Jaren Jackson Jr. to the Utah Jazz last February and Ja Morant to the Portland Trail Blazers in June. Those moves positioned Boozer as the clear focal point of a young roster that now emphasizes collective play over isolation sets. His ability to make quick decisions and move without the ball fits the new emphasis on spacing and unselfish habits.
Boozer arrived in Memphis as the reigning national player of the year after one standout season at Duke. He displayed the same instincts that made him a top prospect, attacking closeouts, finding open teammates and finishing through contact. The early comfort suggests his transition to a lead role could accelerate if the supporting cast continues to value ball movement and defensive effort.
The Grizzlies will play the Utah Jazz again on Monday. Boozer will have another chance to build on this foundation as he learns the nuances of an NBA system that looks very different from what he ran in college. His debut offered the first real evidence that Memphis may have found a cornerstone who can grow alongside the franchise's next generation of talent.