The Memphis Grizzlies have officially introduced Cameron Boozer along with fellow rookies Karim Lopez and Richie Saunders to their fanbase, and early indications suggest that Boozer, in particular, has made a favorable first impression.
It’s becoming increasingly clear that the organization envisions Boozer as a central piece of its future, which could set the stage for an awkward transitional period as the franchise shifts from being Ja Morant’s team to one built around Boozer.
There’s widespread understanding that Memphis would prefer to part ways with Morant, whose career has been repeatedly undermined by poor judgment most notably incidents involving firearms, along with a pattern of disregarding team directives and coaching staff expectations.
To be fair, Morant isn’t exactly eager to remain with the Grizzlies either. However, between his recurring behavioral issues, persistent injuries, and noticeable dip in on-court production, there simply isn’t much demand for his talents in the current trade landscape.
One outlet has floated the possibility of deals involving Boston, Miami, or Chicago as potential landing spots.
Brad Stevens in Boston and Pat Riley in Miami have each been in the league long enough to establish strong organizational cultures, and both have previously dealt with immensely gifted players who struggled to fit within their systems Kyrie Irving in Stevens’ case, and Jimmy Butler in Riley’s. Those experiences came at a significant cost, and it’s hard to picture either executive being eager to revisit that kind of headache.
Chicago, though?
That might be a different story.
Until a move actually materializes, though, it’s going to be a difficult situation for Morant to stomach as he watches the offense and the spotlight gradually gravitate toward Boozer. Despite being only 18 he’ll turn 19 on July 18 Boozer already exhibits a level of maturity that his older teammate has yet to demonstrate. That contrast is bound to create tension.
On a lighter note regarding the rookie class, Maliq Brown and Isaiah Evans have officially settled on their jersey numbers. Brown will sport #15, while Evans has selected #33 a choice that may serve as a personal reminder of how far he slipped in the draft before being selected, with every intention of channeling that memory into fuel moving forward.
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