Has Grit N’ Grind Returned to Memphis, Tennessee?
Brooklyn, New York — On June 23rd, 2026, the Memphis Grizzlies franchise selected Cameron Boozer (3rd overall), Karim Hiram López Mondaca (21st overall), and Richie Saunders (32nd overall) in the 2026 NBA Draft. Grizzlies General Manager Zach Kleiman traded back twice, once from 16 to 17 and again from 17 to 21, accumulating five future second round picks.
Zach Kleiman wasn’t done making moves after using his three draft picks as he made a trade that many Memphis Grizzlies fans have dreamed of by trading three second round picks for Isaiah Stewart from the Detroit Pistons. Zach Kleiman is injecting elite rebounding, athleticism and “smack you in your mouth” toughness.
Cameron Boozer | No. 3 Pick | PF | 18.9 | 6’9.5” / 7’1.5” | 253 | Cancer
Could this be one of the most important days in franchise history? Is Cameron Boozer a future NBA Hall of Fame player? Can Cameron Boozer lead the Memphis Grizzlies to their first NBA Championship?
These are all questions Grizzlies fans are asking themselves as they wake up the morning after the draft smiling whiling watching Cameron Boozer highlights. You can feel the energy shifting in the fanbase as people in Memphis and all over social media get excited about Boozer’s high basketball IQ, elite passing/feel, and ability to score efficiently from anywhere on the floor.
When Boozer was asked before the draft what part of his game translates to the NBA the most, his answer shouldn’t be too surprising:
“My mind, my ability to process the game and make reads…I’m a winner and a leader. I’m a high character guy.”
There’s no question why he praises his mind and ability to win over all his other traits. His ability to impact a franchise from the top down will be felt throughout the Memphis Grizzlies franchise for years to come. The Memphis Grizzlies franchise has been blessed to have players like Marc Gasol, Zach Randolph, Mike Conley, Tony Allen and Ja Morant. However, we’ve never seen a player with the level of pedigree that Cameron Boozer has entering the league. Will Cameron Boozer eventually join some of the Memphis Grizzlies greats up in the rafters one day?
Draft Grade: A+
Karim López | No. 21 Pick | SF/PF | 19.2 | 6’9.5” / 6’11.5” | 222 | Aries
Karim López is the first Mexican-born player to be drafted in the first round of the NBA Draft and only the seventh player of Mexican descent in NBA history. Born in Hermosillo, Sonora, México, Karim López was inspired to play basketball from a young age thanks to his 6’9” father Jesús Hiram López who played on the Mexican National basketball team from 2009-2015.
Karim López was discovered by European basketball scouts at the age of 13, turned pro at 14, had interest from a bunch of NCAA teams, and joined the NBL Next Stars Program where he averaged 9.6 points and 4.7 rebounds as a 17 year old and went on to be the youngest player in NBL history to record a double double. Long story short, I know many view Karim Lopez as a long term project that needs of a lot of developing, but I wouldn’t be surprised if Karim Lopez is ready to contribute sooner rather than later. The experience of playing vs pros and some of the best international talent in the world over the last few years shouldn’t go unnoticed.
Mexican culture is known for its toughness, grit, and relentless grind. Sound familiar? Basketball fans all over México will be rushing to buy Memphis Grizzlies merch as they get ready to support the country’s best basketball prospect in NBA history. I can’t wait for Memphis Grizzlies fans to fall in love with his aggressive “get the hell out of my way” play style that both López and Boozer will bring to the court.
Draft Grade: A
Richie Saunders | No. 32 Pick | SG/SF | 24.8 | 6’6.25” / 6’8.75” | 205 | Virgo
Richie Saunders tore his ACL in February so will most likely miss the majority if not all of the season. However, in year one of a rebuild for a team that could use more elite shooting, I like the addition of Saunders, who shot 38% on 6.8 three point attempts per game and constantly made hustle plays for BYU last season.
For those that are already having PTSD flashbacks to Luke Kennard, Richie Saunders is much more than an elite shooter. Had Saunders been healthy, I would’ve had a first round grade on him. Saunders is an above average rebounder with more athleticism than you’d assume for his role, having gotten at least six rebounds in 12 of the 24 games he played in. Memphis is slowly stacking up elite rebounders up and down the roster.
Draft Grade: B
New Menu Item in Memphis: Beef Stew
I was working on this article and was honestly satisfied with the draft haul of Cameron Boozer, Karim López, Richie Saunders and five second round picks added to our stash of draft capital. However, with a glaring hole at backup center, Zach Kleiman wasn’t quite satisfied. ESPN insider Shams Charania broke the news Wednesday evening that Memphis Grizzlies had traded three future second round picks for Detroit Pistons Isaiah Stewart.
Over the last few seasons the Grizzlies have been deemed “too soft” by some in the fanbase and even players like Draymond Green. I believe the Grizzlies absolutely lacked an “enforcer” — a player that will physically back themselves and their teammates so opponent teams don't think they can walk all over them. With players like Zach Edey, Cameron Boozer, and Isaiah Stewart, I don't think the Memphis Grizzlies need to be worried about lacking toughness or physicality.
Trade Grade: A+
So Is Grit N’ Grind Back?
In an article I wrote about a month ago, I said “the Memphis Grizzlies will soon draft the most talented player in franchise history”, as Cameron Boozer is one of the most statistically dominant high school and college players ever, winning at every level he’s ever played at. If Cameron Boozer reaches his ceiling, he will without a doubt be the most talented all-around player in franchise history. With the addition of Boozer, López and now enforcer Isaiah Stewart, this Memphis Grizzlies team is full of grit and grind.
Out of respect for the Grit N’ Grind era, I want to emphasize that this new era will have to earn that type of comparison, but so far we’re on the right track with additions made in the past two days. We may be returning to an era of Grizzlies basketball the city of Memphis, Tennessee can watch, support, and be proud of.
Grit N’ Grind 2.0 has arrived…
