Cameron Boozer may have fallen just short of winning the 2026 NBA Summer League Most Valuable Player award, but his outstanding performances throughout the tournament further cemented his status as one of basketball’s brightest young stars. The Memphis Grizzlies rookie delivered a series of impressive performances in Las Vegas, proving why he entered the NBA with enormous expectations after a standout collegiate career.
Although the Grizzlies were defeated by the Golden State Warriors in the Summer League championship game, Boozer left the tournament with his reputation stronger than ever. Basketball analysts, scouts and fans were captivated by his consistency, leadership and ability to impact games on both ends of the floor. While the championship slipped away, Boozer’s individual brilliance remained one of the biggest storylines of the event.
The league ultimately awarded Summer League MVP honors to Golden State Warriors forward Yaxel Lendeborg, whose exceptional all-around play helped lead his team to the championship. Lendeborg also earned MVP honors in the title game after delivering a clutch performance down the stretch against Boozer and Memphis. His ability to make winning plays in crucial moments proved decisive as the Warriors secured the Summer League crown.
Even though Boozer narrowly missed out on the league’s highest individual honor, his tournament was nothing short of spectacular. He averaged 18.5 points, 8.0 rebounds, 3.7 assists and 1.8 steals per game while shooting 33.3 percent from beyond the three-point line. His versatility, basketball IQ and poise consistently stood out against elite young NBA talent.
Many observers believed Boozer had a legitimate claim to the MVP award. ESPN even selected him as its unofficial Summer League MVP, highlighting his consistency throughout the competition. While the official voting favored Lendeborg, Boozer’s performances left little doubt that he was among the tournament’s elite players.
The NBA recognized that excellence by naming Boozer to the 2026 NBA Summer League First Team. The prestigious honor celebrates the players who made the greatest impact during the event and serves as another indication that Boozer is ready to contribute immediately at the NBA level.
Joining Boozer on the First Team were MVP Yaxel Lendeborg, Chicago Bulls rookie Caleb Wilson, Milwaukee Bucks guard Brayden Burries and Cleveland Cavaliers guard Meleek Thomas. Each player enjoyed an outstanding tournament, but Boozer’s balanced production and leadership made him one of the group’s most complete performers.
Wilson emerged as one of the breakout stars in Las Vegas, averaging 23.5 points, 7.3 rebounds, 1.8 assists and 2.5 blocks per game while knocking down nearly 42 percent of his three-point attempts. His explosive athleticism and improved perimeter shooting generated significant excitement among Bulls fans.
Burries also impressed by averaging 23.5 points, 4.5 rebounds, 4.3 assists and 2.0 steals while shooting 36.4 percent from three-point range. Meanwhile, Thomas led all First Team selections in scoring with 27.3 points per game, adding 3.8 assists, 3.5 rebounds and 2.0 steals while shooting an outstanding 43.8 percent from deep.
Memphis also celebrated another individual achievement as Boozer’s teammate Cedric Coward earned a place on the All-Summer League Second Team. Coward averaged 19.0 points and 7.0 rebounds while connecting on 41.7 percent of his three-point attempts, giving the Grizzlies two players recognized among the league’s best performers.
Joining Coward on the Second Team were Brooklyn Nets guard Egor Demin, Phoenix Suns center Khaman Maluach, Charlotte Hornets forward Liam McNeeley and Minnesota Timberwolves guard Zyon Pullin. Their impressive play throughout the tournament reflected the exceptional depth of talent showcased during this year’s Summer League.
Interestingly, the first two selections in the 2026 NBA Draft—AJ Dybantsa and Darryn Peterson—did not make either All-Summer League team despite producing excellent numbers. Dybantsa averaged 25.0 points and 7.0 rebounds over just two games before the Washington Wizards shut him down, while Peterson averaged 20.7 points and 4.0 assists across three games before the Utah Jazz ended his Summer League campaign. Their limited appearances ultimately prevented them from receiving consideration alongside players who competed in four to six games.
This year’s Summer League attracted unprecedented attention following one of the deepest NBA Draft classes in recent memory. Fans were eager to see how the league’s newest stars would perform against professional competition, and the tournament delivered thrilling matchups, breakout performances and plenty of memorable moments.
For Boozer, the experience represented another significant step in what promises to be an exciting NBA journey. His mature decision-making, polished offensive skill set and willingness to compete on every possession demonstrated that he possesses the tools needed to become a cornerstone player for the Memphis Grizzlies.
While the MVP trophy ultimately belonged to Lendeborg, Boozer’s remarkable Summer League campaign accomplished something equally important—it reinforced the belief that he is prepared to make an immediate impact during the upcoming NBA season. If his performances in Las Vegas are any indication, basketball fans can expect Cameron Boozer to be a leading contender for NBA Rookie of the Year and one of the league’s most exciting young talents for years to come.
