The transition from college basketball to the professional ranks presents numerous challenges for young athletes, but Cameron Boozer enters the NBA with a significant advantage: direct access to his father's 13 seasons of league experience. Carlos Boozer, who played in The Association from 2002 through 2015, shared his perspective on guiding his son through this pivotal career moment following Tuesday's NBA Draft in New York City.
The Memphis Grizzlies selected the 18-year-old Cameron Boozer with the third overall pick, marking a milestone moment for the basketball family. When asked about the advice he plans to provide his son, the elder Boozer emphasized the importance of mindfulness and presence.
"My biggest advice would be to be where your feet are. Just enjoy the process. A lot of times we get caught up on thinking about what happened before, or looking forward to something coming in the future. My biggest advice is be where you are, enjoy every moment. Like today, we're gonna fly to Memphis, and go enjoy Memphis," Carlos Boozer told TMZ.com.
The philosophy reflects wisdom gained from Carlos Boozer's own professional journey, which began when he was selected 35th overall in the 2002 NBA Draft. His career included stints with multiple franchises and provided him with firsthand knowledge of the pressures and opportunities that await lottery picks.
Speaking about the draft experience itself, the former professional expressed deep pride in his son's accomplishments and the dedication required to reach this level of basketball excellence.
"Last night was amazing. So excited for Cameron. He's had a helluva journey. Worked his butt off. The entire family is very proud of him, going to Memphis," he told TMZ.com.
The younger Boozer arrives in Memphis as the 2026 Wooden Award winner, an honor bestowed upon the nation's most outstanding college basketball player. His talents will be immediately needed by a Grizzlies franchise seeking to rebound from a disappointing 25-57 record during the 2025-2026 season.
The franchise's struggles last season underscore the pressure that often accompanies high draft selections, particularly those chosen in the top three. However, Cameron Boozer's combination of individual accolades, natural talent, and access to veteran guidance positions him well for the challenges ahead.
The Boozer family's basketball legacy now extends into a new generation, with father and son connected not only by bloodline but by their shared experience of hearing their names called on draft night. As Cameron Boozer prepares to embark on his professional career, he does so with the benefit of perspective that few rookies possess—the lived experience of someone who successfully navigated the same path more than two decades earlier.
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Ava Hart
Ava Hart is a pop culture junkie and loves to share what's happening in Hollywood and what trends are taking the world by storm.
