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The debate surrounding the No. 1 pick in the NBA Draft has largely focused on AJ Dybantsa and Darryn Peterson since the end of the college basketball season, but Cameron Boozer wants the Wizards to keep him in mind as well.
Speaking to ESPN's panel ahead of Tuesday's draft, Boozer made it clear that he believes he should be the top pick over Dybantsa and Peterson.
The Wizards haven't given any indication as to which way they are leaning with the top pick, but Dybantsa has been the odds-on favorite throughout the process.
Here's a look at what Boozer had to say hours before the draft.
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Cam Boozer sends message to Wizards about No. 1 pick
Asked by Kendrick Perkins whether he feels he should be the No. 1 overall pick, Boozer responded, "Of course I feel that way."
The Duke star said he doesn't understand "not being in that conversation," adding, "Many years down the line, people are going to look back and say that I should've been."
"Many years down the line, people are gonna look back and say I should’ve been.”
Cameron Boozer on not being in the discussion for the No. 1 pick with AJ Dybantsa and Darryn Peterson 🗣️ pic.twitter.com/YSO0xT9VMO
The Wizards' choice at No. 1 remained a mystery in the hours leading up to the draft, but most projections have Dybantsa going to the nation's capital. Those that don't predominantly have Peterson as the next option, with Boozer frequently projected to come off the board after the two Big 12 stars.
Washington already has Alex Sarr and Anthony Davis in its frontcourt, which might make Dybantsa a better fit than Boozer, but if the choice comes down to simply picking the best player available, Boozer left no doubt as to who he believes that is.
Cam Boozer draft projection
Boozer is widely projected to be the No. 3 overall pick to the Memphis Grizzlies, including in SN's Steph Noh's final mock draft.
While the No. 1 pick is likely out of reach for Boozer, it's fair to wonder whether going No. 2 to the Jazz is on the table if Dybantsa lands at No. 1. Peterson recently said he worked out for the Jazz, but given Boozer is widely considered a safer prospect and his father has history in Utah, the possibility of a surprise exists.
Boozer earned AP Player of the Year honors over both Dybantsa and Peterson in his lone season at Duke.
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