Boozer vs. Wilson: A Budding NBA Rivalry
The NBA preseason is set to feature a compelling matchup between two young forwards who have already forged a competitive bond on the court. Cameron Boozer of the Memphis Grizzlies and Caleb Wilson of the Chicago Bulls will face off tonight at 8 pm ET on NBA TV, renewing a rivalry that stretches from the AAU circuit to the hardwood of the NBA Summer League.
From AAU to the Draft: Shared Roots
Boozer and Wilson’s paths first crossed on the AAU circuit, where they teamed up on the Nightrydas Elite. Together they captured the 2024 Nike EYBL Peach Jam championship, a victory that foreshadowed the high‑level play both would bring to the college and professional stages.
Tobacco Road Showdown: College Rivalry
Their rivalry intensified on Tobacco Road. On February 7, Wilson’s North Carolina Tar Heels hosted Boozer’s Duke Blue Devils. Wilson scored 23 points, while Boozer contributed 24 points and 11 rebounds. The game ended on a buzzer‑beater, giving UNC a 71‑68 victory and cementing the competitive spirit between the two forwards.
Summer League Showdown: A One‑Point Thriller
Their clashes carried into the 2026 NBA Summer League. In a back‑and‑forth affair, Boozer tallied 23 points and 6 rebounds, while Wilson erupted for 35 points, including 7 of 11 attempts from beyond the arc. The Grizzlies edged the Bulls 97‑96, and both players were later named to the All‑Summer League First Team. Boozer noted, “There’s a lot of respect there for each other. Every time we’re on the court we compete, and we’re cool off the court.” Wilson added, “He’s a great player, obviously. We have fun with each other on the court, and we talk back and forth.”
Preseason Form: Early NBA Impressions
Boozer’s strong all‑around play has carried into the preseason, where he’s posted 13.5 points, 6.0 rebounds and 4.0 assists in Memphis’ 1‑1 start, including a 16‑point outing on Wednesday. Teammate Ty Jerome praised his poise, saying, “The poise he has at that age is just huge. Him being able to dribble, pass, and shoot next to me, it’s like I got another point guard next to me, almost at 6‑foot‑10.” Meanwhile, Wilson led Chicago in scoring in its first preseason game, putting up 15 points to help the Bulls defeat the Suns 124‑117. Wilson reflected, “Wild being in the NBA and having my uniform on. Hearing that Sirius song was wild; watched The Last Dance, watched all those shows. Just seeing and feeling it for yourself is quite crazy.”
As the two forwards prepare to meet again, the early‑season matchup promises to be another chapter in a rivalry that has already produced memorable moments and is poised to grow throughout their NBA careers.
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