Boozer says he's close to 100 percent; Sloan not sure

SAN ANTONIO — Even after he shot just 4-for-12 from the field in Friday's loss at San Antonio, Carlos Boozer — three months removed from arthroscopic knee surgery — declared himself nearly fully fit.

"I feel close to it," he said. "Not 100 percent, but close enough."

Jazz coach Jerry Sloan, however, suggested he continues having to ponder when it's best to use Boozer and when it might be better to play backup Paul Millsap.

"I'm pulling the strings as to know who to play and how to play 'em," Sloan said.

Sloan, though, knows for sure he hopes for, and expects, more from his two-time NBA All-Star.

"I'm not hiding from it. I'd like for (Boozer) to be better," he said.

"The best about it is that fortunately we're going to be in the playoffs — and you get yourself ready to go in the playoffs, and you can eliminate a lot of those thoughts and things that people have in your head," Sloan added. "Because we need that in order to be able to win a playoff round, because we're gonna have to ... win some games on the road."

Jazz point guard Deron Williams shares similar sentiments.

"We've got to keep playing," he said.

"Booz will work himself back in however he feels.

We can't judge how he feels. Only he can. So, hopefully he's 100 percent by then — because we definitely need him to play."

PARKER'S PLAY: The play of San Antonio point Tony Parker, who scored 31, proved especially problematic Friday.

"He's a guy you can't really guard by yourself," Williams said. "I don't think anybody in this league can stop him 1-on-1. I feel the same way. The best players in the league, they feel the same way."

"They set screens and give him a little daylight. He's quicker than the devil anyway, and can get open. We had a tough time trying to deal with him. He was terrific getting on top of the basket," Sloan added. "I thought D-Will played him pretty well, for the most part. I mean, he's gonna score. But our big people — they've got to be a little more active to try to help in those situations."

CALLING ALL LEADERSHIP: Before losing Friday, Sloan called for more from his leaders — especially when it comes to preparation.

"That's where the leadership of our players has got to step forward, and make sure they're ready to go," he said. "If it's important to them.