Cam Boozer is adapting to NBA life without twin brother Cayden beside him, according to an AP feature published on NBA.com.
Memphis selected the 19-year-old forward third overall in June. Cayden remained at Duke while Cam began his professional career.
A different daily routine
Boozer said the biggest change was not sharing difficult and successful moments with his brother every day.
His father Carlos remains available for advice, but the rookie recognises that adjusting to the NBA requires his own experience.
In his only Duke season, Boozer averaged 22.5 points, 10.2 rebounds and 4.1 assists, shooting 39.1 per cent from three-point range.
Those college figures explain Memphis's interest without establishing what he will produce in the upcoming NBA season.
Memphis explore his versatility
Executive Zach Kleiman said the team did not want to restrict Boozer to a narrow role.
Coach Tuomas Iisalo highlighted his passing and ball-handling, with opportunities to use him in different screening and interior situations.
Boozer joins a young group including Zach Edey, Cedric Coward, Jaylen Wells, Scotty Pippen Jr. and G.G. Jackson.
The exact responsibilities remain part of the team's preparation rather than a fully defined assignment.
Boozer's stated focus is on daily improvement and helping Memphis win. Individual rookie honours remain future possibilities, not awards already achieved.
The immediate challenge is to translate a productive college skill set into a useful professional role while building a new routine away from his twin.