Sports

Duke Star Cameron Boozer's Stock Looks Strong Ahead of NBA Draft

The NBA playoffs offer plenty of exciting matchups this year, which is a treat for NBA fans, but there’s another big NBA event just around the corner: the NBA draft.

The NBA Draft Lottery is scheduled for Sunday, May 10, and that’s when we’ll find out which teams get the top picks.

In a piece out on Saturday, May 9, Gary Parrish of CBS Sports offers his take on what to expect during this draft.

“The Wizards, Pacers and Nets have the best chances to secure the first pick — but it could also go to the Jazz, Grizzlies, Hawks, Mavericks, Bulls, Bucks, Warriors, Heat, Hornets or … Thunder,” Parrish states in the article. “Yes, Oklahoma City really could get the No. 1 pick, crazy as that sounds. If it happens, Monday will make for an incredible day of sports talk.”

Parrish has Duke star Cameron Boozer’s draft stock strong with him going as the No. 4 selection.

“Boozer, the reigning CBS Sports National Player of the Year, has very low bust-potential given how he’s simply never not been awesome in a way that impacts winning at any level at which he’s played,” he states in the piece. “That said, some do worry that his star potential is also low in part because he’s mostly a below-the-rim forward who can struggle with the type of size and athleticism he’ll consistently face in the NBA.”

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He adds: “My guess is that Boozer will be good and even make All-Star teams — but I’m less sure he’ll ultimately be a top-three player from this loaded draft, which is among the reasons I could see him falling to this spot where the Jazz could snatch him up and add him to a frontcourt that’s already talented with Lauri Markkanen and Jaren Jackson Jr.”

Why It Matters: Cameron Boozer is a Star in the Making

Even though Boozer is no longer expected to go in the first three picks of the NBA draft, he’s a star in the making. Just look at the media coverage surrounding March Madness. Nearly even Duke headline had something to do with Boozer.

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Being a star in the NBA is about talent and also that unexplained appeal, the kind that gets Boozer in headlines. People want to know about him, and that will benefit any team that picks him up in the draft.

2026 NEWSWEEK DIGITAL LLC.

This story was originally published May 9, 2026 at 12:30 PM.

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