May 18, 2026, 8:31 p.m. ET
The Memphis Grizzlies hold two first-round picks in the upcoming 2026 NBA Draft.A recent mock draft projects the Grizzlies will select Cameron Boozer with the No. 3 overall pick.The same mock draft has Memphis selecting point guard Labaron Philon with the No. 16 pick.Drafting Philon could indicate a potential future trade involving current Grizzlies guard Ja Morant.
After trading away Jaren Jackson Jr. to the Utah Jazz at last year’s trade deadline, the Memphis Grizzlies have a real opportunity to add their stars of the future at the upcoming 2026 NBA Draft. The Grizzlies are one of six teams with two first-round picks, owning the rights to the No. 3 overall selection and No. 16.
In a recent mock draft conducted by NBA analyst Kevin O’Connor, the Grizzlies are expected to take Cameron Boozer (Duke) with their first selection of the first round. With the No. 16 overall pick, O’Connor has Memphis selecting a potential Ja Morant replacement, point guard Labaron Philon (Alabama).
Boozer’s strength and playmaking ability will offer the Grizzlies a franchise cornerstone and a solid pair with Zach Edey in the frontcourt. As for Philon, if Memphis were to take him, it could signal a possible Ja Morant trade in the near future. That said, despite being a bit undersized, Philon is an incredibly talented guard whose playmaking and passing abilities earned him comparisons to 16-year veteran and two-time NBA champion Rajon Rondo. Not only that, Philon could also provide more scoring and shooting, having averaged 22 points per game on 39.9% from 3-point range in his sophomore season with the Crimson Tide. Although it may signal a rebuild, there’s no doubt that the duo of Boozer and Philon together would be exciting.
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