Duke forward Cameron Boozer, who is widely projected to be a top-four pick in the 2026 NBA draft, told media members on Sunday that he has a fractured orbital bone, but he decided to forgo surgery, writes Forbes contributor Jeff Fedotin.
Boozer suffered the injury last Sunday in the Blue Devils’ Elite Eight loss to UConn. The 18-year-old’s right eye was “noticeably swollen and bloodshot” today, per Fedotin.
“I have a couple of fractures, but I’m all good,” Boozer said, “just going through the healing process.”
Boozer earned numerous accolades following a freshman season in which he averaged 22.5 points, 10.2 rebounds, 4.1 assists and 1.4 steals on .556/.391/.789 shooting splits in 38 games (33.4 MPG). The first-team All-American was in Indianapolis on Sunday to accept a pair of Player of the Year trophies after previously being named AP Player of the Year.
“I’m just a winning player and all-around player,” Boozer said. “I impact the game in so many different ways. I think just my competitiveness translates to any level. So, I mean, yeah, I think any team who takes a chance on me is going to be very happy with the results they get.”
Boozer is the son of longtime NBA forward/center Carlos Boozer, a two-time All-Star whose last season came back in 2014/15.
Boozer is no longer considered a top 3 or 4 selection in my book. My opinion he’ll slip to number 8 ish or so.
I’d much rather pick one of the dynamic guards or even one of the 6-9 wing men who will be available among the first 10.
By the way, did Mara play himself into the first round last night or is he still on the outside looking in?
You really do not know basketball do you?
No I don’t.
So with your drive-by comment containing zero substance, I can only assume you think he’ll be a top 3 pick, and have a great career after giving him say three or four years to find his way? OK I’ll keep an eye on it.
Let me try your method of communication. You might appreciate this, considering your track record…
You really do not know how to contribute anything to a conversation do you?
Yeah I’m still not sold on Boozer top 3. Extremely hard to judge how his game translates at the next level.
I bet he ends up a top 3 pick.
You could be right, but I think it’ll be a mistake. On top of that I’ll say he’ll slip out of the top 3 to the aforementioned eight-ish area.
Im happy if he available at 8 so my bulls could pick him but i doubt it. I think some team pick him at 3
A below the rim big. I think to be fully successful in the nba his jump shot will need to improve. In the game vs UConn his shot was blocked a lot. Going to need to use both hands around the rim. Still think he has allstar ability with improved jump shot. Good player
Boozer is going to be a stud. He plays like his dad but is more athletic, better passer and shoot’s enough 3’s to spread the floor when needed.
We’ve said that about a lot of Duke players who have failed within 3 to 4 years of being in the league
Haven’t watched cam boozer play much but I hope this injury doesn’t affect him in the long run. Sounds painful when you read more about the bone and think about how hard he must’ve been hit in the face to suffer that injury..oof🙏
Boozer is most NBA ready out of all top picks. To say that about a 19 yr old. Says a lot. Probably wins ROY. I see him as the new wave of PFs. A guy who plays tge power game. But can also step out and play on perimeter. Excellent rebounder and defender. Wizards, Nets, Kings are all good places for him. AD has an expiring contract. He’s perfect with Young imo.
His splits are 57%/39%/ 80%. Not since Larry Bird has a freshman put up Boozer numbers 20 pts, 10 reb, 4 ast. He is the real thing. Also a high IQ player. Definitely going top three.
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Boozer will not last past 6. Wilson is 3. He does get blocked aloe. But unlike Okafor he can shoot and pass.