Cameron Boozer sees himself as a perfect addition to the Memphis Grizzlies’ latest rebuilding project.

The Grizzlies selected the Duke forward with the third pick in the NBA Draft on Tuesday night, adding another high pick for a third straight year. Boozer joins 7-3 center Zach Edey, the ninth overall pick in 2024, and Cedric Coward, the 11th selection a year ago and member of the All-NBA rookie team.

The 6-8, 253-pound Boozer is the son of former Duke and NBA player Carlos Boozer. He was the fifth freshman voted AP men’s national player of the year. Now Cameron Boozer joins Edey, a two-time AP men’s national player of the year, in Memphis’ front court.

“I think we automatically become one of the best rebounding duos in the league,” Boozer said. “His size is unmatched. … I mean he’s just a big dude. It’s going to be exciting to see what different types of things we can do. Really mess up other teams and cause some mismatches for sure.”

Memphis also added forward Karim Lopez at No. 21 after twice trading back from No. 16 in a series of moves that returned five future second-round picks.

The swaps started when the Grizzlies picked guard Bennett Stirtz of Iowa with the 16th pick and traded him to Oklahoma City for the No. 17 pick and two second-rounders. Then it traded that pick to Detroit for the 21st pick and three more future second-rounders. The deals were confirmed to The Associated Press by a person who spoke on condition of anonymity because they can’t be finalized until July 6.

The 6-8 Lopez is a native of Mexico who played two seasons in Australia’s National Basketball League’s “Next Stars” developmental program that produced lottery picks LaMelo Ball, Josh Giddey and Alex Sarr in recent years. Lopez just turned 19 in April.

“A lot of great young players,” Boozer said. “I think (we’re) going to grow organically. … It’s going to be exciting for sure.”

Carlos Boozer had some advice for his son after hearing his name called by NBA Commissioner Adam Silver.

“Take this moment, enjoy this moment,” Carlos Boozer said. “Obviously be where your feet are. Go enjoy it, man. Go enjoy it.”

Boozer averaged 22.5 points and 10.2 rebounds per game while helping Duke win 35 games. The Blue Devils claimed the top overall seed for NCAA Tournament and reached the Elite Eight.

He showed the kind of toughness the Grizzlies can use after so many injuries over the past couple seasons. Boozer finished a loss to UConn with 27 points despite suffering multiple facial fractures in the first half.

That helped Boozer prove he can finish through contact shooting 55.6% from the floor and also shot 39.1% from three-point range. Boozer also is a strong passer (4.1 assists per game), notably assisting on Isaiah Evans’ late three-pointer to beat reigning national champion Florida.

Memphis kicked this rebuild into gear last summer trading away Desmond Bane and followed up by trading Jaren Jackson Jr. in February.

The only reason two-time All-Star Ja Morant hasn’t joined that exodus was Memphis could not find a good enough deal for the point guard to close out the three core Grizzlies who were supposed to lead the franchise into the future.

Memphis still is expected to move on from Morant with the guard playing only 79 games combined over the last three seasons. Morant could be packaged as part of a move up in this draft by the Grizzlies with two years left on his current contract.

The Grizzlies moved up from sixth to third in the lottery after finishing 25-57 and missing the playoffs for the second time in three years. That record makes it difficult to get a read on Coach Tuomas Iisalo, and whether his time in European basketball will translate to NBA success.

Memphis also has shooting guard Jaylen Wells, who has started 143 of 148 games in his first two seasons. He joined Edey on the NBA’s All-Rookie team, and veteran Ty Jerome was added a year ago as another guard option.

Cameron Boozer gestures as he walks off the stage after being chosen by the Memphis Grizzlies in the first round of the NBA basketball draft, Tuesday, June 23, 2026, in New York. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura)Cameron Boozer gestures as he walks off the stage after being chosen by the Memphis Grizzlies in the first round of the NBA basketball draft, Tuesday, June 23, 2026, in New York. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura)Cameron Boozer arrives for the first round of the NBA basketball draft Tuesday, June 23, 2026, in New York. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)Cameron Boozer arrives for the first round of the NBA basketball draft Tuesday, June 23, 2026, in New York. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)Karim López arrives for the first round of the NBA basketball draft Tuesday, June 23, 2026, in New York. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)Karim López arrives for the first round of the NBA basketball draft Tuesday, June 23, 2026, in New York. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)Cameron Boozer arrives for the first round of the NBA basketball draft Tuesday, June 23, 2026, in New York. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)Cameron Boozer arrives for the first round of the NBA basketball draft Tuesday, June 23, 2026, in New York. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)