Cameron Boozer

[prime1time]

what does any player do against Gobert and Wemby? I mean, they're elite defenders. Boozer will at least force Gobert out to defend the perimete freeing up the paint for drivers. I mean, nobody can matchup with Wemby. Carter and the rest? He's basically there size but way more skilled. He'll probably force them to foul him and live on the FT line tbh. I've seen him punish guards and wings on closeouts so not sure what scrub centers are going to do. Sure, he'll get blocked plenty and he'll get scored upon by those scrubs so it's not all daisy's but I am betting he'll be a well-above net positive player despite that.

This is true but the issue is that Boozer's being drafted for his offense. What I'm getting at is I need more than just pound it inside. I need Boozer to round out his offensive game. Middies, floaters, step back 3's etc. This is what's required of him because going inside means he's going to disappear in big games. What I'm basically saying is that you're drafting Boozer to develop into a Luka/Cade/Jokic style player. Slower, but stronger. If we're drafting Boozer to give us 17/10/5 and mediocre defense I don't see the value. Boozer has tremendous offensive upside. If the Wiz drafted him. I'd let Trae Young walk and basically groom Boozer as the player we'd run the offense through. His defense isn't great but it's better than Trae's. And I think the potential is there for him to develop into a 3 level scorer with playmaking ability.

Sengun had a 20/9/6 season with putrid defense and only 30% from three. That to me is Boozer's worst case scenario. I think 22-10-5 with 36-40% from three with better defense is possible. Only 1 players in the whole league did that and it's multiple time MVP Jokic. The beautiful thing is it'll come in the flow of the offense with very little turnovers or need to dominate the ball. Guys are going to love playing with him.

Sengun plays the 5. Boozer not tall enough to play the 5 imo

[Cammo101]

what does any player do against Gobert and Wemby? I mean, they're elite defenders. Boozer will at least force Gobert out to defend the perimete freeing up the paint for drivers. I mean, nobody can matchup with Wemby. Carter and the rest? He's basically there size but way more skilled. He'll probably force them to foul him and live on the FT line tbh. I've seen him punish guards and wings on closeouts so not sure what scrub centers are going to do. Sure, he'll get blocked plenty and he'll get scored upon by those scrubs so it's not all daisy's but I am betting he'll be a well-above net positive player despite that.

This is true but the issue is that Boozer's being drafted for his offense. What I'm getting at is I need more than just pound it inside. I need Boozer to round out his offensive game. Middies, floaters, step back 3's etc. This is what's required of him because going inside means he's going to disappear in big games. What I'm basically saying is that you're drafting Boozer to develop into a Luka/Cade/Jokic style player. Slower, but stronger. If we're drafting Boozer to give us 17/10/5 and mediocre defense I don't see the value. Boozer has tremendous offensive upside. If the Wiz drafted him. I'd let Trae Young walk and basically groom Boozer as the player we'd run the offense through. His defense isn't great but it's better than Trae's. And I think the potential is there for him to develop into a 3 level scorer with playmaking ability.

Sengun had a 20/9/6 season with putrid defense and only 30% from three. That to me is Boozer's worst case scenario.

Those numbers are no prospect's worst case scenario. I don't think you know what worst case scenario means.

[FarBeyondDriven]

This is true but the issue is that Boozer's being drafted for his offense. What I'm getting at is I need more than just pound it inside. I need Boozer to round out his offensive game. Middies, floaters, step back 3's etc. This is what's required of him because going inside means he's going to disappear in big games. What I'm basically saying is that you're drafting Boozer to develop into a Luka/Cade/Jokic style player. Slower, but stronger. If we're drafting Boozer to give us 17/10/5 and mediocre defense I don't see the value. Boozer has tremendous offensive upside. If the Wiz drafted him. I'd let Trae Young walk and basically groom Boozer as the player we'd run the offense through. His defense isn't great but it's better than Trae's. And I think the potential is there for him to develop into a 3 level scorer with playmaking ability.

Sengun had a 20/9/6 season with putrid defense and only 30% from three. That to me is Boozer's worst case scenario. I think 22-10-5 with 36-40% from three with better defense is possible. Only 1 players in the whole league did that and it's multiple time MVP Jokic. The beautiful thing is it'll come in the flow of the offense with very little turnovers or need to dominate the ball. Guys are going to love playing with him.

Sengun plays the 5. Boozer not tall enough to play the 5 imo

they're virtually the same size Sengun might play the 5 but he can't defend the 5 (or any position) which is similar to Boozer so a moot point

[CptCrunch]

This is true but the issue is that Boozer's being drafted for his offense. What I'm getting at is I need more than just pound it inside. I need Boozer to round out his offensive game. Middies, floaters, step back 3's etc. This is what's required of him because going inside means he's going to disappear in big games. What I'm basically saying is that you're drafting Boozer to develop into a Luka/Cade/Jokic style player. Slower, but stronger. If we're drafting Boozer to give us 17/10/5 and mediocre defense I don't see the value. Boozer has tremendous offensive upside. If the Wiz drafted him. I'd let Trae Young walk and basically groom Boozer as the player we'd run the offense through. His defense isn't great but it's better than Trae's. And I think the potential is there for him to develop into a 3 level scorer with playmaking ability.

Sengun had a 20/9/6 season with putrid defense and only 30% from three. That to me is Boozer's worst case scenario. I think 22-10-5 with 36-40% from three with better defense is possible. Only 1 players in the whole league did that and it's multiple time MVP Jokic. The beautiful thing is it'll come in the flow of the offense with very little turnovers or need to dominate the ball. Guys are going to love playing with him.

Sengun plays the 5. Boozer not tall enough to play the 5 imo

6'10" in shoes at 250 lbs with 7 feet plus wingspan can play center. What are you talking about? Sengun is also the smallest below rim center in the league. His play makes Boozer look powerful.

I do agree with the assessment. Boozer's worse case is a Sengun or a crappier one at 16/10 with equally bad defense. That's his tragic case.

[prime1time]

Sengun had a 20/9/6 season with putrid defense and only 30% from three. That to me is Boozer's worst case scenario. I think 22-10-5 with 36-40% from three with better defense is possible. Only 1 players in the whole league did that and it's multiple time MVP Jokic. The beautiful thing is it'll come in the flow of the offense with very little turnovers or need to dominate the ball. Guys are going to love playing with him.

Sengun plays the 5. Boozer not tall enough to play the 5 imo

6'10" in shoes at 250 lbs with 7 feet plus wingspan can play center. What are you talking about? Sengun is also the smallest below rim center in the league. His play makes Boozer look powerful.

I do agree with the assessment. Boozer's worse case is a Sengun or a crappier one at 16/10 with equally bad defense. That's his tragic case.

How many centers are 6'8.25 barefoot? Boozer fans think he's superman. Can play the 3, 4, 5. Guard 1-5. Play point forward. Basically superman. Anyone can do these things. The question is can a team win with him doing it.

[CptCrunch]

Sengun plays the 5. Boozer not tall enough to play the 5 imo

6'10" in shoes at 250 lbs with 7 feet plus wingspan can play center. What are you talking about? Sengun is also the smallest below rim center in the league. His play makes Boozer look powerful.

I do agree with the assessment. Boozer's worse case is a Sengun or a crappier one at 16/10 with equally bad defense. That's his tragic case.

How many centers are 6'8.25 barefoot? Boozer fans think he's superman. Can play the 3, 4, 5. Guard 1-5. Play point forward. Basically superman. Anyone can do these things. The question is can a team win with him doing it.

Boozer is by far the best prospect this year. Savants always find a way to succeed in their role.

[FrodoBaggins]

At 6'8.25" barefoot, 6'9.5" to 6'10" in shoes, 253 lbs, with a 9-foot standing reach, 7'1.5" wingspan, and relatively long legs/stride, Cam isn't any smaller than Horford, Sengun, or Sabonis. 28.5" no-step vertical, 35" max vertical, 11'4.5" no-step max reach, 11'11" max reach.

Comparable size to Bam, actually. He measured 6'8.75" barefoot, 242.6 lbs, 9'0" standing reach, 7'2.75" wingspan.



Not that he needs to play the center position, though. He's a PF who'll play with any type of C. May even fit with another big forward, as I've said previously.

[FarBeyondDriven]

Sengun plays the 5. Boozer not tall enough to play the 5 imo

6'10" in shoes at 250 lbs with 7 feet plus wingspan can play center. What are you talking about? Sengun is also the smallest below rim center in the league. His play makes Boozer look powerful.

I do agree with the assessment. Boozer's worse case is a Sengun or a crappier one at 16/10 with equally bad defense. That's his tragic case.

How many centers are 6'8.25 barefoot? Boozer fans think he's superman. Can play the 3, 4, 5. Guard 1-5. Play point forward. Basically superman. Anyone can do these things. The question is can a team win with him doing it.

well, at least you're not being hyperbolic or disingenuous Nobody has claimed he can guard 1-5. I see more he can't even guard a single position well than the fiction you're peddling. Because he can do some of the things on offense that 3-5 can do, including point forward, that means he's superman?

There have been loads of small ball or even straight up centers that are around Boozer's height barefoot. I personally don't think he'll be able to defend at the 5 though he should be able to rebound at a high level but I'm sure in the right situation/lineup, him playing the 5 adequately enough to prevent it from negating his offense will happen occasionally.

Bam - 6'8.75"
WCj - 6'8.75"
Reed - 6'8.5"
Sims - 6'9"
Jaylin Williams - 6'8.75"
Diabate - 6'9.25"
Bona - 6'8.25"
Horford - 6'8"
AD - 6'9.25"
Sengun - 6'9"
Robert Williams - 6'8"
Sabonis - 6'8.5"

[MalonesElbows]

Boozer doesn't give you shot blocking at center but has the weight to stand his ground unlike some of the lightweight longer centers like Gobert, Chet, Wemby, etc. This of course does not totally makeup for his lack shot deterrence, but shouldn't be totally discounted either. You probably don't want him playing center all game, but 15 minutes a game is fine.

[Chi town]

At 6'8.25" barefoot, 6'9.5" to 6'10" in shoes, 253 lbs, with a 9-foot standing reach, 7'1.5" wingspan, and relatively long legs/stride, Cam isn't any smaller than Horford, Sengun, or Sabonis. 28.5" no-step vertical, 35" max vertical, 11'4.5" no-step max reach, 11'11" max reach.

Comparable size to Bam, actually. He measured 6'8.75" barefoot, 242.6 lbs, 9'0" standing reach, 7'2.75" wingspan.



Not that he needs to play the center position, though. He's a PF who'll play with any type of C. May even fit with another big forward, as I've said previously.

Do you think he will play much 5?

I could see him being a beast there with his 3 ball next to a long active PF.

[FrodoBaggins]

At 6'8.25" barefoot, 6'9.5" to 6'10" in shoes, 253 lbs, with a 9-foot standing reach, 7'1.5" wingspan, and relatively long legs/stride, Cam isn't any smaller than Horford, Sengun, or Sabonis. 28.5" no-step vertical, 35" max vertical, 11'4.5" no-step max reach, 11'11" max reach.

Comparable size to Bam, actually. He measured 6'8.75" barefoot, 242.6 lbs, 9'0" standing reach, 7'2.75" wingspan.



Not that he needs to play the center position, though. He's a PF who'll play with any type of C. May even fit with another big forward, as I've said previously.

Do you think he will play much 5?

I could see him being a beast there with his 3 ball next to a long active PF.

Depends on the personnel of the team that drafts him, I guess. He could do it on a team like Toronto with guys like Barnes, Ingram, and Murray-Boyles at the forward positions. Or Dallas, with Flagg and PJ Washington; Utah, with Jackson Jr., Markkanen, and Bailey.

It's one way they could go about things. Cameron is versatile enough that you can play him a number of ways, and that's one of his best attributes, IMO.

You could also just as easily play him alongside a rim-running center of the Rudy Gobert, Zach Edey, Jakob Poeltl, Mark Williams, Jarrett Allen, Walker Kessler variety.

Or even with a big center and a PF, like Kyle Anderson with Marc Gasol and Jackson Jr. in 2018-19, Valanciunas and Jackson Jr./Clarke, Adams and Jackson Jr./Clarke, Reid and Gobert, Towns and Gobert, and Randle and Gobert. Or Tobias Harris with Embiid and Horford. I even think he'd work well in Tatum's place with Porzingis and Horford.

I'm obviously more bullish on most regarding his defensive versatility. I think this is an Edey-type situation where people will be surprised at his defense and how mobile he is in the NBA. We have to wait to see how he plays in an environment that doesn't ask him to pace himself and avoid foul trouble to carry a huge offensive burden.

[Chi town]

At 6'8.25" barefoot, 6'9.5" to 6'10" in shoes, 253 lbs, with a 9-foot standing reach, 7'1.5" wingspan, and relatively long legs/stride, Cam isn't any smaller than Horford, Sengun, or Sabonis. 28.5" no-step vertical, 35" max vertical, 11'4.5" no-step max reach, 11'11" max reach.

Comparable size to Bam, actually. He measured 6'8.75" barefoot, 242.6 lbs, 9'0" standing reach, 7'2.75" wingspan.



Not that he needs to play the center position, though. He's a PF who'll play with any type of C. May even fit with another big forward, as I've said previously.

Do you think he will play much 5?

I could see him being a beast there with his 3 ball next to a long active PF.

Depends on the personnel of the team that drafts him, I guess. He could do it on a team like Toronto with guys like Barnes, Ingram, and Murray-Boyles at the forward positions. Or Dallas, with Flagg and PJ Washington; Utah, with Jackson Jr., Markkanen, and Bailey.

It's one way they could go about things. Cameron is versatile enough that you can play him a number of ways, and that's one of his best attributes, IMO.

You could also just as easily play him alongside a rim-running center of the Rudy Gobert, Zach Edey, Jakob Poeltl, Mark Williams, Jarrett Allen, Walker Kessler variety.

Or even with a big center and a PF, like Kyle Anderson with Marc Gasol and Jackson Jr. in 2018-19, Valanciunas and Jackson Jr./Clarke, Adams and Jackson Jr./Clarke, Reid and Gobert, Towns and Gobert, and Randle and Gobert. Or Tobias Harris with Embiid and Horford. I even think he'd work well in Tatum's place with Porzingis and Horford.

I'm obviously more bullish on most regarding his defensive versatility. I think this is an Edey-type situation where people will be surprised at his defense and how mobile he is in the NBA. We have to wait to see how he plays in an environment that doesn't ask him to pace himself and avoid foul trouble to carry a huge offensive burden.

Well said. Ideally, he would start with a giant next to him and then play backup 5 mins next to a great weak side shot blocker that can shoot the 3 at PF so you can 5 out with 5 shooters on the floor.

BTW what are you doing with Giddey if Bulls draft Wilson? Most likely guard at 15. I know you’re a big Giddey guy.

[FrodoBaggins]

Do you think he will play much 5?

I could see him being a beast there with his 3 ball next to a long active PF.

Depends on the personnel of the team that drafts him, I guess. He could do it on a team like Toronto with guys like Barnes, Ingram, and Murray-Boyles at the forward positions. Or Dallas, with Flagg and PJ Washington; Utah, with Jackson Jr., Markkanen, and Bailey.

It's one way they could go about things. Cameron is versatile enough that you can play him a number of ways, and that's one of his best attributes, IMO.

You could also just as easily play him alongside a rim-running center of the Rudy Gobert, Zach Edey, Jakob Poeltl, Mark Williams, Jarrett Allen, Walker Kessler variety.

Or even with a big center and a PF, like Kyle Anderson with Marc Gasol and Jackson Jr. in 2018-19, Valanciunas and Jackson Jr./Clarke, Adams and Jackson Jr./Clarke, Reid and Gobert, Towns and Gobert, and Randle and Gobert. Or Tobias Harris with Embiid and Horford. I even think he'd work well in Tatum's place with Porzingis and Horford.

I'm obviously more bullish on most regarding his defensive versatility. I think this is an Edey-type situation where people will be surprised at his defense and how mobile he is in the NBA. We have to wait to see how he plays in an environment that doesn't ask him to pace himself and avoid foul trouble to carry a huge offensive burden.

Well said. Ideally, he would start with a giant next to him and then play backup 5 mins next to a great weak side shot blocker that can shoot the 3 at PF so you can 5 out with 5 shooters on the floor.

BTW what are you doing with Giddey if Bulls draft Wilson? Most likely guard at 15. I know you’re a big Giddey guy.

Not sure, but I like the idea of having Wilson and Buzelis at the forward spots on defense. Lots of athleticism, length, and shot blocking. I wonder if they can get a good-quality center in free agency? Maybe throw Hartenstein or Duren a bag? I'm not sure.

What guard is available at 15? Josh seems to work well with Tre Jones.

[Chi town]

Depends on the personnel of the team that drafts him, I guess. He could do it on a team like Toronto with guys like Barnes, Ingram, and Murray-Boyles at the forward positions. Or Dallas, with Flagg and PJ Washington; Utah, with Jackson Jr., Markkanen, and Bailey.

It's one way they could go about things. Cameron is versatile enough that you can play him a number of ways, and that's one of his best attributes, IMO.

You could also just as easily play him alongside a rim-running center of the Rudy Gobert, Zach Edey, Jakob Poeltl, Mark Williams, Jarrett Allen, Walker Kessler variety.

Or even with a big center and a PF, like Kyle Anderson with Marc Gasol and Jackson Jr. in 2018-19, Valanciunas and Jackson Jr./Clarke, Adams and Jackson Jr./Clarke, Reid and Gobert, Towns and Gobert, and Randle and Gobert. Or Tobias Harris with Embiid and Horford. I even think he'd work well in Tatum's place with Porzingis and Horford.

I'm obviously more bullish on most regarding his defensive versatility. I think this is an Edey-type situation where people will be surprised at his defense and how mobile he is in the NBA. We have to wait to see how he plays in an environment that doesn't ask him to pace himself and avoid foul trouble to carry a huge offensive burden.

Well said. Ideally, he would start with a giant next to him and then play backup 5 mins next to a great weak side shot blocker that can shoot the 3 at PF so you can 5 out with 5 shooters on the floor.

BTW what are you doing with Giddey if Bulls draft Wilson? Most likely guard at 15. I know you’re a big Giddey guy.

Not sure, but I like the idea of having Wilson and Buzelis at the forward spots on defense. Lots of athleticism, length, and shot blocking. I wonder if they can get a good-quality center in free agency? Maybe throw Hartenstein or Duren a bag? I'm not sure.

What guard is available at 15? Josh seems to work well with Tre Jones.

I think Philon is the best fit due to shot creation and ability to play on and off ball and defend 1s.

[Bad Bart]

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[DirtyDez]

At 6'8.25" barefoot, 6'9.5" to 6'10" in shoes, 253 lbs, with a 9-foot standing reach, 7'1.5" wingspan, and relatively long legs/stride, Cam isn't any smaller than Horford, Sengun, or Sabonis. 28.5" no-step vertical, 35" max vertical, 11'4.5" no-step max reach, 11'11" max reach.

Comparable size to Bam, actually. He measured 6'8.75" barefoot, 242.6 lbs, 9'0" standing reach, 7'2.75" wingspan.



Not that he needs to play the center position, though. He's a PF who'll play with any type of C. May even fit with another big forward, as I've said previously.

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Boozer is a year younger at the same point. Literally to the day.
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Spoiler:

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[FrodoBaggins]

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Bigger than Amar'e Stoudemire's (35.5"), Blake Griffin's (35.5"), Dwyane Wade's (35.0"), and Cooper Flagg's (35.5"), too.

Doesn't really say much. Cam's 28.5" no-step and 35.0" max at 6'8.25" barefoot, 253 lbs, 7'1.5" wingspan, and 9'0" standing reach is comparable to Cooper's 29.0" no-step and 35.5" max at 6'7.75" barefoot, 221 lbs, 7'0" wingspan, and 8'10.5" standing reach. Boozer actually has a higher no-step max reach (11'4.5" vs. 11'3.5") and max reach (11'11" vs. 11'10") despite weighing 32 pounds more, although Cooper was nearly half a year younger.

What makes Flagg the superior shot blocker, rim & paint protector, and above-the-rim finisher is his quickness and functional coordination as a leaper. He gets off the ground incredibly quickly and can do so in just about any context: from a standstill, off one or two steps, full movement; in any direction (backpedaling, laterally); one foot or two.

Although conscious play style is also a factor to consider.

[CptCrunch]

I think most people are missing the point is that not everyone plays basketball fully utilizing their athleticism (at least in terms of burst jumping athleticism or linear speed like the realgm and reddit likes to harp on).

Boozer seems to be focused on playing below the rim. He tests literally as a good NBA athlete in all aspects for a SF at PF/C size. The man just doesn't enjoy jumping. You need your brain checked if you think someone of his size and athleticism cannot trivially dunk or attempt to. He just rather do a SGA style falling layup - smh.

[tmorgan]

I think most people are missing the point is that not everyone plays basketball fully utilizing their athleticism (at least in terms of burst jumping athleticism or linear speed like the realgm and reddit likes to harp on).

Boozer seems to be focused on playing below the rim. He tests literally as a good NBA athlete in all aspects for a SF at PF/C size. The man just doesn't enjoy jumping. You need your brain checked if you think someone of his size and athleticism cannot trivially dunk or attempt to. He just rather do a SGA style falling layup - smh.

I think you are confusing chooses to/likes to with ABLE TO.

Some guys, under testing conditions, can jump higher, run faster, and shoot better. And to be fair, some guys can’t even do that.

Other players find ways to use their athleticism on the court better, and in extreme cases, even through duress like heavy contact. This is why scouting still is primarily based on game play, because some dudes will dunk on you, shoot in tight spaces, jump off two feet through contact, control a dribble in a crowd, pass through tight windows, react faster on deflections, and have quicker bursts on offensive and defensive movement.

I enjoy the combine each year, it’s interesting. But knowing that Dalton Knecht has a better standing and max vertical than Cooper Flagg doesn’t really tell me anything that’s useful.

Boozer tested pretty well. But he didn’t play ball at Duke like a good athlete beyond his strength and coordination. Below the rim finishes, getting blown by a lot, turnover issues vs. better competition, slow footed in general, it’s all on his tape. He’s extremely skilled on offense, zero doubt, but if anyone as a scout doesn’t have concerns about some of what he demonstrated on the court this year, well, we disagree. He’s got some serious stuff to work on, and we’ll have to wait and see what improves and what doesn’t.

(note that last part is true for Dybantsa and Peterson and everyone else as well — but there are a lot of guys starting with better functional athleticism but less skill than Boozer… so it’s up to the teams to decide what’s more likely to improve)

[CptCrunch]

I won't engage with bad-faith takes, but I do want to address a recurring pattern in how Boozer gets evaluated.

Many of Boozer's harshest critics seem to operate from a specific lens: the combine-metric-athleticism-maximalist, the fan who equates vertical leap, sprint times, and frame projections with basketball ceiling. If you dismiss Boozer's potential because he "plays like a below-the-rim tweener," I'd ask you to examine the consistency of that standard.

Let's follow the logic:
* Premise: If raw athleticism is the primary indicator of potential…
* Observation: Boozer tests as well as or better than many players you celebrate.
* Conclusion: Then, by your own metric, Boozer possesses the athletic foundation to suggest real upside.

If you want to argue that "Boozer isn't actually athletic" despite measurable data showing otherwise, that's a subjective take, but it's one that requires more than feelings in your pants. You can't selectively apply the "athleticism = potential" framework only when it confirms your bias.

I'm not here to debate whether athleticism should be the ultimate barometer of ceiling. If you believe it is, then acknowledge that Boozer clears that bar. If you believe it isn't (like me, in fact athleticism has close to zero value)? Then let's have think critically of your logical failings and not hide behind athletic testing when it's convenient, then discard it when it isn't.