Jazz player bios

RAFAEL ARAUJO

Center

6-11, 270

26 years old

Prior NBA experience: 2 years. Other NBA team: Toronto. From: BYU/Brazil. Acquired: Trade.

UPDSIDE: Araujo provides the sort of tough, physical presence the Jazz have lacked for some time. He seems more than anxious to prove that disappointing days in Toronto will not wind up being his pro legacy. Araujo even bypassed playing for Brazil's entry in this past summer's World Championships in order to focus on his NBA career, a signal of his commitment to trying to make things work in Utah.

DOWN: The big Brazilian is a fouling machine and frequently finds himself well en route to using up all six in quick order. Araujo isn't a great rebounder, especially considering his size. He has limited shooting range and isn't a big scorer — but doesn't need touches, either. Araujo's confidence also wavers, but he is at least coachable — which isn't always the case with lottery picks who struggle with their game.

CARLOS BOOZER

Power Forward/Center

6-9, 266

24 years old

Prior NBA experience: 4 years. Other NBA team: Cleveland. From: Duke. Acquired: Free agency.

UPDSIDE: When healthy, Boozer produces on the offensive end — especially down low, where he makes the most of putbacks, cleans up garbage and has a decent array of big-man moves. He averaged 16.3 points last season, and is a career 14.2 points-per-game scorer. Boozer also is a consistent rebounder, averaging 8.6 boards per game after returning from a lengthy hamstring injury last season.

DOWN: Boozer has missed 80 games during his two seasons in Utah due to foot and hamstring issues. His help-often-needed play on the defensive end of the floor has been a source of almost consternation for Jazz coach Jerry Sloan. Opponents can take Boozer baseline virtually at will, and that spells disaster in a scheme designed to funnel dribblers into the lane. The ex-Dukie also does not respond well to criticism.

RONNIE BREWER

Shooting Guard

6-7, 218

21 years old