Pacers Linked to Duke Star Cameron Boozer in No. 1 Pick Race

The Indiana Pacers could find themselves in the middle of one of the most intriguing NBA draft storylines as March Madness approaches.

Cameron Boozer — one of college basketball’s most dominant freshmen — has emerged as a top contender in the race for the projected No. 1 overall pick. If the Pacers land near the top of the lottery, the Duke star could become a potential target depending on how the draft order unfolds.

Boozer spoke with Heavy Sports in an exclusive interview while promoting State Farm’s “Will You Be There?” campaign alongside his twin brother, Cayden Boozer.

While the draft conversation around him continues to grow, Boozer said his attention remains on Duke’s postseason run.

“I’m not really focusing on that,” Boozer told Heavy Sports. “I’m just focusing on what I got to do to help my team win right now.”

“Obviously, we have some big games coming up, so I’ll just kind of do whatever I can to help my team win.”

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Cameron Boozer Emerging as Top NBA Draft Target

The 6-foot-9 forward — and son of former NBA All-Star Carlos Boozer — entered college as one of the most decorated high school prospects in recent memory.

Boozer’s résumé includes multiple international gold medals, two FIBA MVP awards and several national championships at the youth and high school levels. At Duke, he has continued that success while serving as the offensive centerpiece of a team with national title aspirations.

When asked what separates him from fellow elite prospects Kansas‘ Darryn Peterson and BYU’s AJ Dybantsa in the race for the top pick, Boozer offered a simple explanation.

“I’ll just say that I’m a winner,” Boozer told Heavy Sports. “At every level I’ve played at, and I’ll continue at the next level.”

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Mock Drafts Split on Boozer’s Draft Position

Despite Boozer’s dominance in college basketball, analysts remain divided on where he could ultimately be selected.

In his March 10 mock draft for Bleacher Report, NBA draft analyst Jonathan Wasserman projected Boozer as the No. 2 overall prospect, ranking him behind Dybantsa.

Wasserman highlighted Boozer’s versatility, noting he is shooting 40.4 percent from three-point range on similar volume as Dybantsa, while his assist percentage is more than double Peterson’s. Synergy Sports data also places Boozer in the 90th percentile or better in both ball-screen and isolation possessions, illustrating his ability to attack defenses both inside and on the perimeter.

“He’s been the ultimate mismatch—overpowering inside, skilled around the perimeter and smart inside the defense making passing reads,” Wasserman wrote.

However, some scouts have raised questions about Boozer’s long-term upside due to concerns about his explosiveness and defensive range.

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Pacers Named Possible Landing Spot

In his latest mock draft for ESPN, NBA draft analyst Jeremy Woo ranked Boozer No. 3 overall, behind Peterson and Dybantsa.

Woo noted Boozer’s historic production at Duke while leading the Blue Devils into championship contention.

“Boozer, the ACC Player and Rookie of the Year, has made a loud argument for himself as the best player in college basketball and would provide excellent value if he falls to No. 3,” Woo wrote.

Woo also pointed to the Pacers as a potential destination if Boozer were selected third overall.

Indiana’s recent trade for center Ivica Zubac raised the stakes surrounding the franchise’s upcoming draft pick. The Pacers must send the selection to the Los Angeles Clippers if it falls between Nos. 5 and 9, making the top of the lottery especially important.

Pairing Boozer with All-Star guard Tyrese Haliburton, Woo suggested, could help accelerate Indiana’s path back into playoff contention.

For Boozer, though, the focus remains unchanged.

Winning now — and letting the draft conversation take care of itself later.

Alder Almo is a sports journalist covering the NBA for Heavy.com. He has more than 20 years of experience in local and international media, including broadcast, print and digital. He previously covered the Knicks for Empire Sports Media and the NBA for Off the Glass. Alder is from the Philippines and is now based in Jersey City, New Jersey. More about Alder Almo