Boozer, in other words, has developed a much more all-around offensive game than when he was a rookie who thrived largely on boards and putbacks.

"He's been able to score the ball wherever he is," Sloan said of Boozer, who is as strong with his left hand as his right. "He's very clever around the basket, and he shoots the ball well out on the floor, so he's got a lot of different places he can get shots, and he works hard to try to get himself in an open position where he can get the ball and post up or whatever.

"We just happen to have a guy that has the ability," the Jazz coach added, "to be able to play in the lane, play on the baseline, play around the top of the key.

"That's who he is."

Boozer, though, is more than that.

He may be one of the NBA's top forwards, but he's a father and family-man husband first.

That's one of the reasons this past summer was so stressful and makes his appearance tonight that much more meaningful.

His status as an All-Star, make no mistake, is a badge of honor.

"When you think about the players in the game — LeBron (James), Kobe (Bryant), Steve Nash, Carmelo (Anthony) — all the guys are studs," Boozer said. "I think it says a lot ... about how hard I've worked.

"But I'm a team guy, and I want us to win," added Boozer, who helped lead the Jazz to last postseason's Western Conference finals and has helped guide them to the top of the Northwest Division standings this season. "Whatever it takes for us to win is what I'm gonna do."

It's with that in mind that the decision to skip the opening of fall camp — while easy to make — did not come without its pitfalls, including its possible impact on the Jazz's 5-11 December.

"The biggest thing I was worried about is just having my presence felt out there," Boozer said, "because ... a lot of team bonding goes on in training camp. So the biggest thing for me was making my presence be felt out there. Statistically wise, I was fine. I was never worried about my numbers. I was worried about our team chemistry.

"We started out pretty good," he added, "and then we hit that lull. ... Maybe if we had everybody at training camp, we don't hit that lull."

That said, Boozer would not alter his decision in a heartbeat.

Teammates like Brewer fully understand.

"Because family," the young shooting guard said, "is the most important thing in your life."

It is, Boozer believes, which is why he is so happy to be here with his own family circle intact.

Young Carmani continues to beat the potentially deadly blood disorder, with all signs currently pointing toward the positive.

"We just have to wait until Sept. 5 (a one-year marker for declaration of complete recovery). We're waiting for that day, but, for the most part, everything is going really good," Boozer said. "He continues to improve, and the doctors are really happy with where he's at."

Which easily trumps where Boozer is, even if it's an All-Star Game in New Orleans.

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E-mail: tbuckley@desnews.com