Grizzlies Reach Summer League Semifinal as Karim López Is Set to Debut and Cam Boozer Stars
The expected debut gives Memphis a chance to assess its 19-year-old first-round pick coming off a mild hamstring strain, which will inform short-term rookie minutes and development plans.
Overview
- The Grizzlies beat the Atlanta Hawks 96-64 to clinch a spot in the NBA Summer League semifinals, with Cameron Boozer scoring 24 points and grabbing seven rebounds in the win.
- Karim López was listed to make his Summer League debut on July 16 after rehabbing a mild left hamstring strain that kept him out of earlier games.
- López is the 19-year-old No. 21 pick and the first Mexican-born player taken in the first round; he averaged 11.9 points and 6.1 rebounds for the New Zealand Breakers in 2025–26.
- Richie Saunders (No. 32) remains sidelined for the summer after a torn ACL, while Olivier-Maxence Prosper returned to availability and Walter Clayton Jr. stayed out with a right knee sprain.
- Memphis has kept its top rookies active for evaluation and tournament positioning, and coach decisions in Las Vegas could shape early-season roles and minutes for the new players.