Utah Jazz notebook: Carlos Boozer says he's relaxed, at peace

SALT LAKE CITY — Carlos Boozer likes the state he's currently in.

Both of 'em, actually.

So don't be shocked if you hear Boozer whistling the tune of Bobby McFerrin's "Don't worry, be happy" tune — he is in a good state of mind right now.

And don't be surprised if you see an "I (heart) Utah" bumper sticker on his car, either — he's also enjoying the actual state he's playing in.

Before his 33-point, 16-rebound explosion in Wednesday night's win, Boozer reiterated that sentiment in the morning after telling a national television audience Tuesday — while a guest on ESPN's "Jim Rome is Burning" — that he is enjoying this Jazz season and hopes his stay here will continue after his contract ends this summer.

"I'm relaxed, man, very relaxed," Boozer said. "Very comfortable, I should say. Very excited and at peace."

With his personal and professional lives — both of which have had rocky moments in recent years. Boozer admitted his improved work and home situations have positively affected his play "a great deal."

"I think when you're in a good place individually in your life, you can definitely do everything else in your life better," he said. "Like your job, you can be a better husband, you can be a better son, better brother, whatever it is.

"If you're at peace in your life, you can do a lot of other things with a lot more confidence, a lot more freedom."

The Jazz have noticed the change for the better, too. "He's been great this year," said Deron Williams, his Jazz and Team USA teammate. "It's been fun to have him in the locker room on this team. I feel like he's just come out and kind of set the tone for us this year with the way he's played."

Though some wondered if Boozer spoiled the team's chemistry — by opting in last summer, or talking about getting a raise and being traded — Jerry Sloan has remained steadfast in his support.

"He's played extremely well," the Jazz coach said. "He's played a lot of great games for us over the years that he's been here.

"But," Sloan added, "there obviously have been some things that have caused him not to be able to play — injuries, and he's probably had some problems in other areas.

"We have to work around those things when we're coaching. We can't solve them for him, but we have to be sympathetic to it."