Cameron Boozer's introduction to the NBA on Tuesday was a moment shared not only with his family but also with his older brother, Carmani, whose life he helped save.
Selected third overall by the Memphis Grizzlies in the NBA Draft, the 18-year-old Duke forward expressed that the occasion was a collective family triumph. "Yeah, I mean, it's my moment, but it's our moment," Boozer told ESPN, surrounded by his family in Brooklyn.
Cameron's family includes his father, former NBA player Carlos Boozer, and his fraternal twin brother, Cayden, who have been his long-time teammates. However, the focus of post-draft interviews was on Carmani.
Carmani was diagnosed with sickle cell anemia at birth in 2006. This inherited blood disorder typically shortens life expectancy. To provide a life-saving treatment, Carlos and his then-wife CeCe utilized the birth of their twins in 2007. Umbilical cord blood stem cells and bone marrow transplants from the twins were used to help save Carmani's life.
"I don't even know how to describe it honestly, man. ... It's my moment, but it's our moment as a family," Cameron Boozer said after being drafted.
The family had previously shared their story when Carlos Boozer was an active NBA player. They revealed that they pursued in-vitro fertilization specifically to create a donor for Carmani. Two healthy embryos were implanted, leading to the birth of the twins, Cameron and Cayden, in July 2007.
Following chemotherapy to address Carmani's sickle cell-producing bone marrow, he received stem cells from one of the twins. The hope was that these stem cells would stimulate the growth of new bone marrow capable of producing healthy blood cells.
"I think it's really just faith over fear," CeCe Boozer told ESPN. "So, you know, we battled that adversity as a family, and now we get to celebrate as a family, and be here to watch Cameron, and I just couldn't be more proud."
Carlos Boozer echoed this sentiment. "First, I'm proud of him," he said. "Like the dedication, you heard Carmani talk about it, his sacrifice. He shows up every single day. I'm just happy for him, man."
Sickle cell disease is characterized by deformed red blood cells that impair oxygen transport. It is common in individuals with ancestry from Africa, Latin America, the Middle East, and the Mediterranean. The abnormal, sickle-shaped cells can obstruct blood flow, leading to complications such as severe pain, stroke, organ damage, and potentially death.
Bone marrow transplants can cure the disease, but they are risky due to the immunosuppression caused by chemotherapy, especially in infants.
Cameron Boozer was named College National Player of the Year after averaging 22.5 points, 10.2 rebounds, and 4.1 assists in his single season at Duke. His twin brother, Cayden, remains at Duke and is expected to be a starter for the 2026-27 season.