Jonathan Wasserman projected the Brooklyn Nets to take Duke forward Cameron Boozer with the third overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft if they keep the selection. The projection came as Brooklyn remained one of several teams hoping to get lucky in the draft lottery.
Boozer, 18, finished his 2025-26 season averaging 22.5 points, 10.2 rebounds, 4.1 assists and 1.4 steals per game while shooting 55.6% from the field and 39.1% from three-point range on 3.6 attempts per game. Those numbers helped keep him among the class's top prospects, with Wasserman ranking him behind only BYU forward AJ Dybantsa and Kansas guard Darryn Peterson.
Wasserman said Boozer's production, skill level, versatility and intangibles were enough to ease concerns about his athletic or defensive limitations. He pointed to Boozer's 39.1% shooting from deep on higher volume than Dybantsa, along with a 26.0 assist percentage that topped Peterson, Dybantsa, Keaton Wagler and Brayden Burries. Wasserman also said Boozer graded in Synergy Sports' 90th percentile or better in ball-screen and isolation possessions.
The case for Boozer is built on a big frame and a polished game. Listed at 6-foot-9 and 250 pounds, he has the skill set to make up for some of the height questions at power forward. That is also where the doubt starts. Wasserman said there is lingering concern about Boozer's lack of quickness, vertical pop and defensive projection, and that some evaluators will still wonder whether he can keep creating advantages against NBA athletes.
For Brooklyn, the decision is even more conditional because the projection depends on the Nets keeping the third pick. If they do, Boozer will be one of the names at the center of the conversation in a draft class where scouts already see him as one of the best players available, but not necessarily the safest one.
