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The mood inside the Don Poier Media Center at FedExForum was noticeably different.
After a tumultuous season that ended with the Memphis Grizzlies missing the postseason, there was finally a sense of optimism. That hope arrived in person June 25 as the Grizzlies introduced their 2026 draft class.
General manager Zach Kleiman, coach Tuomas Iisalo and draft picks Cam Boozer, Karim Lopez and Richie Saunders met with local media for the first time, with family members seated in the audience. Each rookie spoke positively about his first impressions of Memphis.
"Everybody is super friendly, and it's clear everybody has the right goal and mindset of winning and playing hard," Saunders said.
Current Grizzlies GG Jackson and Cedric Coward were also in attendance. Grizzlies star Ja Morant, who has been involved in trade talks since January, wasn’t mentioned throughout the entire press conference — another sign in the shift to a new era.
When Boozer was asked about his father's impact on his basketball journey, his father — former NBA player Carlos Boozer — couldn't resist chiming in from the third row.
"Very proud," Carlos Boozer said, drawing laughter from the room.
It's a good thing Cam Boozer has broad shoulders because he'll be expected to carry plenty of responsibility.
The No. 3 overall pick fielded several questions about becoming a franchise cornerstone. With Jaren Jackson Jr. gone and Morant's future uncertain amid trade speculation, the Grizzlies are searching for a new face of the franchise. Boozer appears ready to embrace that role.
"I think for me, I've had a target on my back for my whole career," Boozer said. "I've been one of the top players in my class for four or five years now, so I wouldn't say it's intimidating. Obviously the NBA is a new level, but I'd say it's more exciting. It's an opportunity to face a new challenge."
Kleiman's long-term vision continues to come into focus.
Before last season, he emphasized adding "dogs" and building a roster that reflected the identity of Memphis. While the idea was evident, the results never fully materialized.
With Boozer, Lopez and Saunders, the Grizzlies added three players known for their toughness and physical style of play. Kleiman also referenced pending trade acquisition Isaiah Stewart, noting he couldn't comment on the transaction but alluded to Stewart when discussing the team's desired identity.
"When we're thinking about the type of individuals that embody this team, this organization and this city, you're looking at them," Kleiman said.
"We've got tough-minded, physically tough, highly skilled guys who are going to go out and fight every day," Kleiman said. "... This is the Grizzlies' DNA."
There weren't many moments last season when Iisalo smiled as broadly as he did while discussing Boozer.
The Grizzlies coach already sounded well-versed in Boozer's game, referencing his advanced metrics and the variety of ways he impacts an offense.
Throughout last season, Iisalo often hinted that the roster lacked the personnel needed to fully execute his system, whether discussing Zach Edey's absence or the shortage of creators. His comments on June 25 suggested he believes Boozer can help change that. He called the Duke product "a very unique player in many aspects."
"That's the best quality that a player can have, that he affects winning and really improves the players around him," Iisalo said. "He's somebody who really facilitates the interactions. This is not just as a player but also as a person who is very team-oriented and oriented toward winning.
"That's why you see me smiling here, because I'm really looking forward to helping him unlock that potential at the next level."
Damichael Cole is the Memphis Grizzlies beat writer for The Commercial Appeal. Contact Damichael at [email protected]. Follow Damichael on X, formerly known as Twitter, @DamichaelC.
This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Cam Boozer, Memphis Grizzlies 2026 NBA draft class embracing new era
Continue reading...
After a tumultuous season that ended with the Memphis Grizzlies missing the postseason, there was finally a sense of optimism. That hope arrived in person June 25 as the Grizzlies introduced their 2026 draft class.
General manager Zach Kleiman, coach Tuomas Iisalo and draft picks Cam Boozer, Karim Lopez and Richie Saunders met with local media for the first time, with family members seated in the audience. Each rookie spoke positively about his first impressions of Memphis.
"Everybody is super friendly, and it's clear everybody has the right goal and mindset of winning and playing hard," Saunders said.
Current Grizzlies GG Jackson and Cedric Coward were also in attendance. Grizzlies star Ja Morant, who has been involved in trade talks since January, wasn’t mentioned throughout the entire press conference — another sign in the shift to a new era.
When Boozer was asked about his father's impact on his basketball journey, his father — former NBA player Carlos Boozer — couldn't resist chiming in from the third row.
"Very proud," Carlos Boozer said, drawing laughter from the room.
Embracing the moment
It's a good thing Cam Boozer has broad shoulders because he'll be expected to carry plenty of responsibility.
The No. 3 overall pick fielded several questions about becoming a franchise cornerstone. With Jaren Jackson Jr. gone and Morant's future uncertain amid trade speculation, the Grizzlies are searching for a new face of the franchise. Boozer appears ready to embrace that role.
"I think for me, I've had a target on my back for my whole career," Boozer said. "I've been one of the top players in my class for four or five years now, so I wouldn't say it's intimidating. Obviously the NBA is a new level, but I'd say it's more exciting. It's an opportunity to face a new challenge."
Zach Kleiman's vision taking shape
Kleiman's long-term vision continues to come into focus.
Before last season, he emphasized adding "dogs" and building a roster that reflected the identity of Memphis. While the idea was evident, the results never fully materialized.
With Boozer, Lopez and Saunders, the Grizzlies added three players known for their toughness and physical style of play. Kleiman also referenced pending trade acquisition Isaiah Stewart, noting he couldn't comment on the transaction but alluded to Stewart when discussing the team's desired identity.
"When we're thinking about the type of individuals that embody this team, this organization and this city, you're looking at them," Kleiman said.
"We've got tough-minded, physically tough, highly skilled guys who are going to go out and fight every day," Kleiman said. "... This is the Grizzlies' DNA."
Tuomas Iisalo eager to get started
There weren't many moments last season when Iisalo smiled as broadly as he did while discussing Boozer.
The Grizzlies coach already sounded well-versed in Boozer's game, referencing his advanced metrics and the variety of ways he impacts an offense.
Throughout last season, Iisalo often hinted that the roster lacked the personnel needed to fully execute his system, whether discussing Zach Edey's absence or the shortage of creators. His comments on June 25 suggested he believes Boozer can help change that. He called the Duke product "a very unique player in many aspects."
"That's the best quality that a player can have, that he affects winning and really improves the players around him," Iisalo said. "He's somebody who really facilitates the interactions. This is not just as a player but also as a person who is very team-oriented and oriented toward winning.
"That's why you see me smiling here, because I'm really looking forward to helping him unlock that potential at the next level."
Damichael Cole is the Memphis Grizzlies beat writer for The Commercial Appeal. Contact Damichael at [email protected]. Follow Damichael on X, formerly known as Twitter, @DamichaelC.
This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Cam Boozer, Memphis Grizzlies 2026 NBA draft class embracing new era
Continue reading...
