Now that the Las Vegas Summer League is beginning, the Memphis Grizzlies will be sending the prospects they selected in the 2026 NBA Draft. They will send the third overall pick, Duke forward Cameron Boozer, and potentially the 21st overall pick, New Zealand Breakers forward Karim Lopez. Richie Saunders, who was selected with the 32nd overall pick in the second round, will not be playing as he recovers from his ACL injury.
Both Boozer and Lopez will have the opportunity to show off their talent in Las Vegas, with Boozer already flashing his skill in the Salt Lake City Summer League. They certainly have the potential to bring about a new era in Memphis, but they do have major questions surrounding them. Let’s explore one question for each Memphis Grizzlies rookie as they begin to participate in the Las Vegas Summer League.
2026 NBA Summer League: 1 Question For Each Grizzlies Rookie
Cameron Boozer
Question: Will Boozer’s Physical Playstyle Translate?
The Grizzlies have their new franchise star on their hands by taking Boozer third in the draft. As one of the most productive freshmen in the country, Boozer has demonstrated a highly versatile skill set that allows him to impact all facets of the game.
Offensively, Boozer uses his size and strength to score effectively in the paint, and he can stretch his range to beyond the arc. He has amazing touch around the rim, and Boozer also has a good feel as an offensive rebounder. Whether it be from a post-up, rolling to the basket, or creating from the perimeter, he is an effective scorer. Furthermore, Boozer has shown strong playmaking ability with his great court vision and passing skills.
Defensively, Boozer utilizes his size, strength, and IQ to be an impactful defender. He uses his length well to be disruptive in the passing lanes and to gobble up defensive rebounds. He knows exactly where he needs to be on defense, rotating wherever help is needed. Plus, Boozer is great at helping keep the defense organized.
Boozer can truly be the Grizzlies’ face of the franchise for many years to come. However, one major question for Boozer as he comes into the League is whether or not his physical playstyle will translate against higher-level competition. Boozer dominated in high school and college using his size and strength, but the concern is that the outcome may be different against NBA-level athletes. However, in his first couple of games in the Salt Lake City Summer League, Boozer continued to utilize his physical playstyle to full effect, continuing his excellence. The Las Vegas Summer League will be another test for him, but Boozer has been putting those concerns to rest.
Karim Lopez
Question: Can Lopez Show More Potential On The Defensive End?
Lopez potentially won’t play in Summer League due to an injury during the pre-draft process. However, if he does play, Memphis fans will get to see a well-built forward with intriguing physical tools. He uses his physical attributes well to be an aggressive driver to the basket and an impactful rebounder on both ends. While he can put the ball on the floor to attack closeouts, Lopez is an excellent off-ball mover who thrives in transition. His physicality allows him to power through contact for the finish. Augmenting his finishing is his upside as a passer, demonstrating strong connective passing within an offense.
While not a great defender currently, Lopez has all the tools to be someone who can make an impact on the defensive end. He makes use of his length to disrupt passing lanes or contest shots as a defensive playmaker. Nevertheless, the defensive end is where Lopez’s biggest question lies, as he showed underwhelming results in the NBL. Specifically, Lopez was prone to lapses in focus on the defense, which allowed for multiple scoring opportunities for his opponents. Overall, his defensive engagement can be very poor.
Lopez must get better on the defensive end to have a chance to stick around in the league. Summer League will be a good opportunity for him to get his feet wet and to show off whatever potential he has on defense.
Richie Saunders
Question: N/A
Saunders will not be participating in Summer League this year, as he continues to recover from his ACL injury that he suffered in February this past season. Hopefully, Saunders will recover quickly enough so that he can play later in his rookie season.
Featured Image: Brad Penner-Imagn Images
