Duke's Cameron Boozer climbs to No. 1 on the NBA Rookie Ladder

Duke's Cameron Boozer has received a strong ranking on the NBA Rookie Ladder.

NBA.com officially placed the former Duke Blue Devils star at No. 1 in its second Kia Rookie Ladder of the 2026-27 season.

Boozer, 19, has been a central piece for the Memphis Grizzlies, who have started the season 6-2.

That record puts Memphis among the top teams in the Western Conference early on.

The Grizzlies were the league's last undefeated team before suffering their first loss.

Boozer is averaging 16.5 points, 9.8 rebounds, and 5.4 assists per game through eight contests.

He is shooting 36.4 percent from the field, 36.7 percent from three-point range, and 94.4 percent from the free-throw line.

His efficiency from the floor has been inconsistent — he has converted just 36.4 percent of his field-goal attempts.

But his overall impact on both ends of the floor has helped Memphis win games.

Boozer leads the Grizzlies in rebounds per game and ranks second on the team in both points and assists per game.

His playmaking has been an underrated aspect of his game, creating open looks for teammates.

Last week, Boozer became the second-youngest player in NBA history to record a triple-double.

That milestone drew national attention and reinforced his standing among the rookie class.

Boozer played one season at Duke before the Grizzlies selected him with the third overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft.

During his lone college season, he won the Associated Press Player of the Year Award.

He averaged 22.5 points, 10.2 rebounds, 4.1 assists, and 1.4 steals per game for the Blue Devils.

He shot 55.6 percent from the floor and 39.1 percent from three-point range at Duke.

Boozer led Duke to a 35-3 record and a trip to the NCAA Tournament Regional Final.

The Blue Devils fell to the UConn Huskies in that game, ending a strong season in disappointing fashion.

Despite that loss, Boozer made a lasting mark at Duke and is now building on that success in the NBA.

His versatility has been a key factor in Memphis's offensive system.

He can play both the power forward and center positions.

At the 4, his ability to space the floor keeps the Grizzlies' offense flowing on both sides of the court.

If teams switch defensively, Boozer can go directly to the post and exploit mismatches.

He shows patience on his catches and works to get to his spots on the floor.

When help defense arrives, he can pass out of the post, allowing Memphis to attack tilted defenses.

When moved to the center position, his screening, rolling, and ability to quickly get to space open up the floor.

His short-roll passing has drawn praise, and his timing and footwork on screens have been effective.

Boozer has also mixed in catch-and-shoot three-pointers as his finishing skills continue to develop.

The Rookie Ladder is a weekly ranking published by NBA.com that tracks the performance of first-year players.

It takes into account individual statistics, team success, and overall impact on games.

Boozer's No. 1 spot puts him ahead of other strong rookies, including Yaxel Lendeborg.

Lendeborg has also drawn attention for his early-season play, creating a two-man race at the top of the rookie class.

If Boozer continues to perform at this level and improves his shooting efficiency, he will be among the top contenders for the Rookie of the Year Award.

He would be the second straight former Duke Blue Devil to win the award.

Cooper Flagg won Rookie of the Year in the 2025-26 season.

Flagg averaged 21 points, 6.7 rebounds, 4.5 assists, and 1.2 steals per game during his rookie campaign.

He shot 46.8 percent from the field and 29.5 percent from three-point range.

Flagg beat out another former Duke star, Kon Knueppel, to win the award.

The Blue Devils have developed elite NBA talent over the years.

Other former Duke players who have won Rookie of the Year include Paolo Banchero, Kyrie Irving, Elton Brand, and Grant Hill.

Boozer's early success continues that tradition of Duke players making an immediate impact in the NBA.

In one recent game, a 107-103 loss to the Indiana Pacers, Boozer struggled with his shooting.

He finished with 10 points on 4-of-14 shooting, including 2-of-5 from three-point range.

He also recorded six rebounds, four assists, and one steal in 33 minutes.

Boozer committed four turnovers in that game.