The 2026 NBA Draft is shaping up to be one of the deepest in recent years. From top to bottom, the talent pool is loaded, and the race for the first-overall pick has been one of the most compelling storylines of the year.
That said, the Washington Wizards , owners of the top pick, have a good problem in their hands. Talent-wise , Darryn Peterson may have no peer. AJ Dybantsa has the upper hand when it comes to long-term projection and elite athleticism.
However, Cameron Boozer and analytics may have something to say about that.
The eye test alone proves Peterson, Dybantsa and Boozer belong in the top tier. Everyone else plays for second, although, of course, their development down the road may allow them to catch up with the trio.
However, as the NBA leaned into computer models and analytics, these tools could sway the vote inside a front office. And if there is a name that data-driven draft models unanimously point to, it's the former Duke Blue Devils.
"If you talk to the analytics people in NBA front offices, who have a lot of influence these days, 100 percent of them have Cam Boozer at number one, at the top of their draft model," Draft Express's Jonathan Givony said on The Herd.
According to Givony, the model included data, not only from Boozer's ultra-productive one-and-done college season, but also from his high school and FIBA competitions. Cam averaged nearly 19 points and 10 rebounds across 13 international games, both of which led the United States to gold medals.
And of course, the son of former All-Star Carlos Boozer led his high school team to four straight Florida state titles!
"That goes a long way for the analytics model, and for good reason. I think he will be a 20-10 guy from Day 1, and I think he will even make a run, potentially, at being an All-Star as a rookie. That's my take," Givony declared.
While that's encouraging for Boozer's stock, it also must be taken with a grain of salt. Analytics are a powerful tool, but they don't play the game. Folding in high school and international data alongside college numbers could skew the results, and some front offices may weigh those competitions differently.
Dybantsa and Peterson's talent, natural abilities, and development still count a lot on draft night. After all, Boozer may have been nearing his "peak," while the other two may be nowhere near that yet.
Related: How an antisemitic slur ended Miami Heat center's NBA career
Whatever teams decide on, it's about time that Boozer gets his due. He has become slightly underrated because of his lack of explosive athleticism, but the kid knows how to ball. He has a very well-rounded game and even has a point guard feel whenever he looks to create.
So, which team makes the most sense for Boozer? If the Wizards decide to trade Anthony Davis , Cam might make some sense there.
However, the Memphis Grizzlies are the most natural fit. With the void left by Jaren Jackson, Jr., and with the impending trade of Ja Morant , they need a proven guy to put the ball through the hole. Boozer can be "that dude" from Day 1. The Chicago Bulls also need whatever help they can get, but it's highly unlikely that Cam goes past the third pick.
The bottom line is that wherever Boozer lands, that franchise is getting a player who's ready to contribute immediately. In a draft full of promise, he may be the safest bet to deliver.
This story was originally published by Basketball Network on Jun 1, 2026, where it first appeared in the Latest News section. Add Basketball Network as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
