Deseret News | Interested in Boozer? Be careful

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Doug Robinson: Interested in Boozer? Be careful

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RE: Boozer Haters/Lovers | 10:26 a.m. June 3, 2009

Ok, ok... Boozer has had his ups and downs throughout his career at Utah. But give the guy a break as half of his salary will now be going to his spouse to cover child support ;) That's at least 5 million per year, right...?

Although at first glance he looks as if he was built out of stone, he is as fragile as glass. That's not an opinion, its a fact! Sure he did do some good things at Utah, but could have been so much better if he really cared about winning. In the end, Boozer is similar to that movie.. "He's just not that into winning"

To be honest, I just want a winner and someone who will work hard in the post. Whether Boozer "Man's Up" or not, I don't really care. I guess I really just want the Mailman in his late 20's back!

Looz the Booz | 10:27 a.m. June 3, 2009

Time to go, move on, the fans already have. This guy doesn't deserve his $12.7 salary. No passion in his game besides yelling when missing free throws.

Let's bring in Bosh.

Good article Doug!

Richie | 10:28 a.m. June 3, 2009

Great article, but I hope no one in Detroit, Toronto or New Jersey reads it. I am tired of hearing excuses from loser for his $12 M hangnail while Millsap would crawl on the floor just to play.

Comments continue below

The Truth | 10:46 a.m. June 3, 2009

Sometimes you have to take a step backward to go forward. Maybe the Jazz tried to rebuild to fast and without lottery talent. What if the Jazz let Memo, Booz and Korver all go if they all opt out. Trade AK next year in the last year of his contract and rebuild with the core of Milsap,Koufos,Brewer,D-will,CJ and NY's lottery pick (hopefully a high one) and plenty of $$$ to get some new players with some heart!! If we don't make the playoffs then that's two lottery picks you could use to move up in the draft if needed next year. (That plus a new coach who will give the young guys time to develop.) Then you could count on D-Will to be your team leader/allstar as he would be one of the older guys on the team.

Here is the problem if the jazz keep their core together (milsap,boozer,and Memo) they still aren't a championship team in my opinion. Also if you are going to pay someone 15 million a year it better be a two way player like KG not Booz.

Anonymous | 11:00 a.m. June 3, 2009

Beside Malone/Howard - Every post player has Injury:

Over the last 5 seasons (410 regular season games):
Nene played 213 games (51%) -9.7 million
Martin played 265 games (64%)-14.4 million
JOneal played 274 games (66%)-21 million
Boozer played 276 games (67%)-11.6 million
Brand played 277 games (67%)-13.7 million
Stoudmire played 297 games (72%)-15.0 million
West played 308 games (75%)-9.8 million
Shaq played 308 games (75%)-21 mil a year
Ming played 317 games (77%)-15.0 million
Kirilenko played 319 games (78%) - 15.1 million
Okafor played 330 games (81%)- 9.5 million
Jefferson played 331 games (81%) 11 million
Gasol played 339 games (82%)- 15.1 million
Miller played 340 games (82%)- 11.4 million
Garnett played 362 games (87%)-24.7 million
Bosh played 364 games(88%)-14.4 million
Ilgauskas played 372 games (91%)-10.8 million
R.Wallace played 377 games (91%) million
Duncan played 379 games (92%)-20.4 million
Jamison played 380 games (92%) - 9.9 million
Okur played 388 games (94%)- 8.5 million
Nowitzki played 395 games (96%) - 18 million
Howard played 407 games (99%)- 13.7 million

detroit | 11:10 a.m. June 3, 2009

detroit makes a salary cap move, has one bad season in a decade and you think boozer wanting to go to detroit is purely for the money? you're an idiot. Joe D will put people around him to make that team sucessful. The real question is, does detroit want boozer. I don't want his injury prone self... you can keep him!

same for AK | 11:12 a.m. June 3, 2009

sorry folks but this article could be exactly the same for AK just by changing the names. We have 2 huge malignant tumors in the locker room - and we need to cut both out to heal!

Re: Imark | 11:15 a.m. June 3, 2009

IMark and the rest of you. Relax, If you think that the GM of any team in the NBA makes thier decision based on what the fan says in the comment section of the local newpaper, then you are even more of a dreamer than Boozer. Every GM's favorite quote is " They (the fan)don't understand, they have never played in the NBA." And....they don't pay much more attention to the "beat writers" opinion.

Miles | 11:23 a.m. June 3, 2009

The best thing we could do is bring in Rasheed Wallace and his bad boy attitude!! He can still score and he has a nasty attitude that might get Memo and AK playing defense. No one would dance down the middle without taking a forearm to the head. He could teach out young big men how to play the game the old fashioned way. Wallace is the last of the big men who just want to beat you up. He would be a steal on the free agency market.

STEVE-O | 11:25 a.m. June 3, 2009

@ Blind fans:

You mention what a great offensive attribute Boozer is. It's funny because he was the 3rd highest scorer on the team. You go down the list of NBA teams and tell me who the 3rd highest scorer on each team is and I bet that list is mediocre... just like Boozer.
I'd also like to hear your honest opinion on Boozer's defense?

@ Mark-E-Mark

Boozer was on the record not more than a year ago saying he sees himself playing out his career in Utah. Then midway through the year he says he's going to opt out regardless. Then at the end of the year he's wanted to stay in Utah all along. Now just recently he's talked about going to another team. Well he's been so straight forward and honest I can't understand why people would be upset with him either?
Korver on the other hand has kept his mouth shut since he got TRADED here (not his decision). He's just gone out and played hard, didn't make mention of HIS option to opt out after the season until... after the season. BIG difference!

Jacob Wheelz#32 | 11:29 a.m. June 3, 2009

In my opinion the jazz can find somebody of better value for Carlos Boozer I really like thee idea of the jazz getting Tyler Hansbrough from North Carolina in the draft Ive always seen Boozer as a choke of a player so if he wants to leave then lets get ride of him But not to free agency were he could sign with another western conference team trade him

STEVE-O | 11:32 a.m. June 3, 2009

@ RE:Booz 9:30 AM

Yea Millsap's 17 or 19 double-doubles (don't remember exact number)... that was really bad. He looked worn down to me.
He was playing against the number one guy on every team during that stretch.
I agree that he started to wear down after he banged both his knees up, but he came back strong.

Does anybody disagree with me that the Jazz went downhill AFTER Boozer came back from injury. You can't deny that. The Jazz went to pieces after having a 12 game winning streak (mostly while Boozer was out)!

The Jazz will be fine without Boozer.

STEVE-O | 11:35 a.m. June 3, 2009

I CAN'T WAIT to see Boozer (AKA: peanut brittle) go to another team and go down with a major injury two weeks into the season. I'll laugh myself to tears it will be so funny.

C | 11:36 a.m. June 3, 2009

By Boozer, don't trip going out the door.

camsterdam | 11:38 a.m. June 3, 2009

Amen! I'm just waiting for the contract that pays players based on their production. It happens with US in the normal workplace (or at least it should). This guy is only worth two thirds of his contract.

Boozer is a pretender | 11:39 a.m. June 3, 2009

People used to compare Boozer to Malone because he's a 6'9" Power Forward with 20-10 stats. Of course, that's where the similarity ends. Malone was one of the most durable and consistent players of all time, was much more competitive, and played hard on the defensive end. Malone was good enough to beat Shaq, Olajuwon, Duncan, Barkley, and David Robinson on the way to the finals.

What has Boozer ever done in the playoffs? Mostly just get embarrassed by Odom, Gasol, and Duncan. Where is T-Mac when you need him? Why should the Jazz pay Boozer as if he were Malone when it is clear to see he is just not a dependable franchise-player? They made the same mistake with AK out of fear and desperation that they couldn't get anyone better right away.

Personally, I'd rather see the Jazz save their money even if they have a few down years. If they re-sign Boozer I fully expect to see another 5 years of injuries and mediocre up and down Jazz teams that will never once finish in the top-3 in the West.

David Locke | 11:46 a.m. June 3, 2009

The Jazz would be better in the long run by taking a step back next year. Let Boozer go, find a suitor for AK, resign Millsap, get Okur only if at the right price; by doing this they can snag a 2010 free agent and no I'm not talking about Lebron or Wade. Maybe Bosh or Joe Johnson, etc while everyone else is focused on Lebron and Wade.

re: The Truth | 11:46 a.m. June 3, 2009

The unfortunate truth is that New Yorks pick will like be in the teens. The East is still bad, and they don't want to be too terribe while trying to lure Lebron in 2010.

Including Brewer an CJ in the list of "core" players is laughable. The CORE of the Jazz today is DWill, and the only way that gets added to is if (1) Boozer resigns and becomes the #2, or (2) Boozer is traded for someone like Bosh who is a legit #2 in the league. Other than those possibilities, no one on the roster is a "core" piece.

magnus | 11:54 a.m. June 3, 2009

Boozer is absolutely worth 12 million a year.

The rumors now are that Detroit may be more interested in Millsap than Boozer and could possibly make Millsap a rediculous offer (9-10 mil a year) instead of Boozer, I have a hard time seeing the Jazz paying 9-10 Mil a year for Millsap.

Wouldn't that be poetic justice? The Pistons steal Millsap away from the Jazz and that leaves Boozer totally at the mercy of the Jazz because no other team with cap space wants him. If he wants a bigger contract from Jersey or Toronto the Jazz would have to agree to a sign and trade, if the Jazz didn't agree to it they could offer him a low ball contract and he would have little choice other than take it.

I would hate to lose Millsap, but I can't help but love the irony of it.

Figure it out | 12:01 p.m. June 3, 2009

It certainly seemed like the Jazz playing and winning declined when Boozer came back. The team played alot better feeding off each other without Boozer! That being said...the Jazz still need a power forward. Make that a big power forward! Milsap is a good player, but he just isn't going to fill the role of a sizable power forward. It would be nice to keep Milsap if the price is not out of sight. His hard play does not make up for his size. He's just too short to be the man!
Hopefully someone will figure it out!

Pickle | 12:22 p.m. June 3, 2009

Don't let the door hit you on the way out!!! FINALLY!!! GIVE US BOSH!!!!

PurplePeopleEater | 12:23 p.m. June 3, 2009

Opinions on Boozer are all over the place, even from sportswriters.

Maybe Booz isn't real---just a figment of our imaginations?

Did we dream these last 5 years?

Pinch yourself!

Reality check: D-Will wants him back. How many of you think D-Will isn't sane?

Also, Korver haters, he had to have surgery after the season. Let's see YOU hit long jump shots accurately with his injury.

STEVE-O | 12:58 p.m. June 3, 2009

The Jazz line-up should look something like this if I had my way:

Starting:
C- Memo
PF- Chris Bosh
SF- AK
SG- Brewer
PG- Dwill

Backups
Koufus, Fesenko, Millsap, Chris Anderson, CJ Miles, Matt Harpring, Korver, Ronnie Price, sign one more PG.

Boozer / Fisher | 1:04 p.m. June 3, 2009

Utah Jazz fans had the nerve to lash out at Derek Fisher when he left for his daughter's treatment. It looks like you only lash out when it doesn't work for your benefit. Jazz had no problem signing Boozer back when the Cavaliers were TRUSTING him to re-sign.

You no longer want Boozer so you have no problem pointing out his "contract signing" flaws when you want to get rid of him. (I think the Cavaliers could have used him this year, who knows maybe they would be playing in the finals??!!) What goes around comes around for both Boozer and the Jazz.

Go Fisher! I'm pulling for you to win another ring!

Yes | 1:24 p.m. June 3, 2009

Tyler Hansbrough plays hard

Jerome Betis is from Pittsburgh

Dead horse | 1:43 p.m. June 3, 2009

Really, Doug? You had to beat Boozer down even more? The message boards weren't full enough from all of the other anti-Boozer articles? The mob, er I mean, fans, hadn't done a thorough enough job beating him to the ground? I'm no Boozer fan, but when everyone's already on the bandwagon, why keep recruiting? The wagon is full.

Oh, and forget about Chris Bosh everyone. He will never grace a Jazz uniform. No way, no how. Does a blockbuster trade sound like Jazz front office behavior to you? The Jazz draft talent and trade for role players. It's fact.

Stucki | 1:45 p.m. June 3, 2009

Dude, you are way too bitter! If you want to change jobs can't you? So why can't Carlos Boozer? Carlos is not the reason the Jazz lose and everybody knows that.

KJ | 1:48 p.m. June 3, 2009

@ Stevie-O

First of all, unlike you, I've done the research and it shows Boozer was there for eight games of the 12-game winning streak. What Boozer haters can't comprehend is that the Jazz collapse at the end of the season coincided with a schedule that had them playing a bevy of road games against good competition. Anyone who knows anything about the Jazz's core as presently constituted (Williams, Boozer, Okur) knows that this is a team that can't win on the road. Therefore, logic suggests it was perpetual road woes that killed the Jazz not the mythical chemistry killer.

By the way, I don't get Jazz fans' obsession with Bosh. He's 6'10 230 lbs, and in his career he's averaged 0.7 more BPG (1.2 BPG) than Boozer. For all his length and athleticism, he's hardly a defensive presence. Not only that, but he's never shot 50% from the field in his career. You all hate Boozer's injuries, and deservedly so, but Bosh has never played a full season himself. Just because ESPN touts Bosh as a superstar doesn't mean you have to.

Hey | 1:51 p.m. June 3, 2009

Don't say mean things about carlos, you might make it so no one else wants him and we would be stuck. I say pay for play. He should play next year for 6 mil.

TheHailstorm | 1:51 p.m. June 3, 2009

Lose the boozer. Chances are the Jazz are going to pay for no play.Keep Koufas as he works a he really works at his game and down the road he can only get better. My picks to stay . Ak ,memo, D-Will, Brewer, Koufas, Mllsap, and Harpering just to beat up on Kobe.

Collins, Fes, Boozer. CJ and Knight. These can close up shop and go elsewhere Keep the workers and pack up the drones.

Bring Tavis | 2:14 p.m. June 3, 2009

Hansen. Jazz don't have to give him big contract and pick up two or three more guys to replace this Boozer guy. Sorry, I am not the guy at the Jazz dept who understand how this work when comes to trading market. Travis does have guts!

re: Boozer / Fisher | 2:21 p.m. June 3, 2009

Many would disagree that Fish's intentions were that pure. Awful convenient landing with the Lakers that quick, wouldn't you say?

Jenn | 2:21 p.m. June 3, 2009

Seriously- so funny!!! I couldn't agree more and loved reading this article! Perfectly said, my friend.

Adam | 2:31 p.m. June 3, 2009

Re: Dead Horse
Perfect post! Seriously, I couldn't agree more. Doug might have just cut and pasted from these message boards to write this article.

I'm not the biggest Booz fans out there, but I think we're too harsh on the guy. Realistically, some of us really are expecting our power forward to be as durable, strong, and defensively minded as Karl Malone... guess what fans? There was only one Karl Malone... and most of you didn't like him either!

Through the years we've all been so critical. Critical fans are ridiculous. So many act like they can do better than Jazz management. Well, I am grateful you'll never have a chance to try.

Thank you Carlos for being a two time all star for us.... for getting us to a confrence finals and being a great first go to guy for D-Wil. Sorry more of these fans didn't appreciate you more... We'll realize how good you were after you're gone.

@Anoymous | 2:35 p.m. June 3, 2009

I hate it that pro basketball today is all about money to the players. It's not enough to be in love with the game. How did all these BIG BUCKS for play get started. Its the same with the other sports too especially baseball. What a disappointment when the players go to the media and say what they'll do for how much $ they can get. Players go for the bigger paycheck not the game.
Boozer can leave for all I care if money is all he cares about. How much does one man need in a lifetime?
I love the jazz. I'm a California girl and I hate the Lakers, I'm just sick of primma donnas who act badly. Next we'll be seeing stamping of feet and whinning to go with it all. Bummer.

The Truth @ re | 2:52 p.m. June 3, 2009

In regards to my previous post, the main point was to keep your young talent and then add through the lottery and free agency to get a better contender not the current group of softies. NY's pick was 8 this year, and unless they pull off a trade, they probably won't get better. They could also lose David Lee and unless they get lucky in the draft, I don't see them getting better next year with a rookie. That plus the fact that they are trying to get under the salary cap enough so that they can sign two free agents in 2010 to max money. The easier way to rebuild for the Jazz is probably to do a sign and trade and or sign everyone and trade them later so they don't lose anyone without compensation. It's looking scary if Detriot is able to get rid of more salary cap space. No one is talking about it, but they may go after Okur to replace Wallace's three point shooting. I think they would have kept Okur if they could have afforded him in the past.

STEVE-O | 3:02 p.m. June 3, 2009

KJ

I'm not in a position to view statistics while I'm posting. So when I say things it has to be from memory. Are you saying Boozer came back from injury and lead the Jazz to 8 more victories? As I remember Booze didn't have the shooting touch, or play well at all his first few games back (uderstandably so considering he was out a while). The Jazz won despite his low production.

I will admit the tough schedule contributed to the Jazz rough end to the season, but Boozer never got back to his real form. If a player demands BIG money they need to carry the team.

My questions for the Boozer lovers are:
1- Why does Boozer get a free pass to loaf on defense just because he's "a great offensive player."
2- Does Boozer honestly deserve a raise?
3- Charles Barkley question: If Boozer does want a massive contract "Can he get your team over the hump?"

I think Boozer has already proven he can't get the team over the hump so we can't afford to pay him more money.

STEVE-O | 3:05 p.m. June 3, 2009

KJ part II

Did you watch Chris Bosh in the Olympics? There IS a reason he played and Boozer sat on the bench and watched. Bosh has heart. The guy goes 100% no matter what team he's on, no matter what the score is.
Also... Defense isn't only determined by blocked shots. Bosh is more mobile than Boozer.

Also... If your only definition of a good offensive player is shooting percentage than I guess you don't want Kobe Bryant, Dwayne Wade, Paul Peirce, or Lebron James on your team. Those guys don't usually shoot over 50% during a season either. Very few players do!

STEVE-O | 3:09 p.m. June 3, 2009

@ The Truth

All good points! Memo is in the background a bit with all the Boozer rumors floating around. Detroit is all over our players. They want Millsap... then they want Boozer... and like you said Memo would replace wallace perfectly! I personally hope they get Boozer and leave the other two alone.

Hollywood | 3:28 p.m. June 3, 2009

Great article - 100% spot on.

But what if this gets picked up nationally and the Detroit, Toronto and NJ ownership groups read it? It could kill any potential deal. And now there's not even a cluless Isiah in NY that would bail Utah out with a sign and trade for Boozer.

Carlos is a great stats guy, but he's not a winner. He doesn't play with heart. Isn't willing to do the dirty work (i.e. play defense). I'm not saying his injuries weren't legit, but his recovery times were ridiculous.

Just look at Millsap. The guy played on 1 leg for weeks because the team had no one else. He should have been on IR.

I agree - we can't replace Boozer's 20/10. But Millsap EASILY gets 15/8 - and gives up a lot fewer points on the other end. Not only to the PF, but also on the defensive switches that Booz rarely covers.

If O'Connor ends up resigning this clown - and losing Millsap as a result, I'll have to find another team to cheer for.

Anonymous | 4:17 p.m. June 3, 2009

Boozer Starting - 2008 - 2009
36 games - 16.2 ppg (49.1%), 1.08 spg, 0.17 bpg, 10.4 rpg and 2.2 apg

Millsap Starting - 2008 - 2009
38 games - 16.0 ppg (54.5%), 1.24 spg, .97 bpg, 10.3 rpg, and 2.4 apg

KJ | 4:21 p.m. June 3, 2009

@ Stevie-O

Look, I'm not saying Boozer is better than Bosh, I'm not even saying Boozer is worth keeping, I just find a lot of the garbage being tossed around about Booze is unfounded. Regarding your comments on Bosh, yes he was more worthy of playing time in the olympics because he is more skilled, but my point is the difference between the two players is minute. I've watched Bosh play many times, and in my opinion, he's as effective (or ineffective) as Booze is on the defensive end. On the flipside, he's explosive offensively, but usually settles for jumpers (hence the lack of solid FG%), rather than being aggresive. And by the way, bigger guys (PF, C) usually play closer to the hoop, so in turn their FG% is almost always higher than perimeter players. Comparing Bosh's FG% to perimeter players isn't logical because they don't play the same position. Comparing his FG% to Boozer makes much more sense for obvious reasons and it shows that Boozer is the more efficient offensive player.

pride | 4:45 p.m. June 3, 2009

pistons won a championship with Wallaces but lost their future. Memo could EASILY replace Sheed in one years' time with right coach.It's easy to say if you found out how rapidly he developed and become a big time player despite being too young to handle this kind of responsibility.Why Pistons era of discipline, teamwork ended badly is Rasheed's perception: "we can win whenever we want, no need to worry".It's called "cancer of team". Also, Memo's leaving Detroit is completely different story.First reason: playing mins, second: Larry Brown. Carlos was gonna have his enough playing time for sweet stats with respect,interest. Carlos' offensive presence will be surely missed but can be replaced.Our offense will find a way to score sufficiently.We should find a PF-C who can contribute both sides of floor and create a respectable inside presence.Balanced+relatively more contributions from Memo+deron+starting PF will be compulsory when more contribution from bench/role players will be key to the games.

Carlos Looooooozer | 4:48 p.m. June 3, 2009

Well we won't hear that over the PA anymore at home games. I have not liked Boozer since his Duke days but tried to give him a chance in Utah. Good job by the Jazz not giving him a big deal. Look at Washington. They give Arenas a big 20 million per year contract and he sat out all year again. Boozer is not worth what he wants. The sad thing is is that when the Jazz play the team that he goes to, the game will sell out, so that Jazz fans can Boo this loozer, but...one problem... He will be in street clothes, so we will have to do what Cleveland did and show his picture on the jumbotron and boo him then. Boozer sucks. Get this loozer out of here. The Jazz also need to get rid of the overpaid AK47. He irks me more than Boozer did.

Miles | 4:50 p.m. June 3, 2009

The reality is that Jerry wants Boozer back in uniform (or suit). Jerry gets what Jerry wants. The only thing that will keep Boozer from wearing a Jazz uniform next year is Boozer. Jerry loves the guy. Which makes no sense. Jerry whines about guys with no heart which Boozer has none. Jerry whines about defensive which Boozer has none. Jerry whines about guys talking days off which Boozer takes off weeks at a time. Jerry whines about playing hard which Boozer never does. Jerry whines everything and Boozer is not everything to anyone. So which is it Jerry? You sound like you are running for a political office. Talking out both sides of your mouth.

Sh@ | 4:50 p.m. June 3, 2009

I don't understand the love affair with Bosh. I would rather see Okafur and Gerald Wallace come to Utah. Defense and offense, covering positions Utah needs to trade up in.

Missouri Jazz Fan | 5:08 p.m. June 3, 2009

Possibly the reason Korver might want to leave Utah is because Sloan does not know how to use his talent and most of the players do not pass him the ball. He should be a lot more accurate now that he has had surgery on his wrist, at least he still goes out and plays hard even with an injury-can't say that about all of the Jazz players. I saw him hustle as hard on defense as almost anyone except maybe Milsap. I think maybe it is time for Sloan

Get Some Toughness | 6:17 p.m. June 3, 2009

How about Maxiel-Det(free agent), Gordon-Chicago (free agent),Tyrus Thomas-Chicago(tradeable), Crawford & Turiaf-GS,(for A.K.), Wallace & Bell-Charlotte (tradeable), Nocioni-Sac (tradeable), for softies and old players- Knight, Collins, Miles, A.K., Boozer, and Harpring (expiring contract). Also all draft choices from last year, this year and the Knick pick next year to accomplish the goal of toughness! Roll the players, the trades however, add the free agents and we would be a competitor again! Do it Greg, Kevin, & Sloan.

Terrible Article | 6:52 p.m. June 3, 2009

What's your point? Booze is willing to leave a team behind for $21 million dollars?

Can you blame him? Would you do differently? I bet you would ditch your company for $21,000 probably 2100.

Booze is one of the best PF in the league any team would be lucky to have him. He is in the top 25 for career FG%.

I hope he stays in Utah

Deseret News needs new columnist | 6:56 p.m. June 3, 2009

I'm getting tired of reading you guys. Can you find some better journalists? People who actually like the Jazz?

Seriously. I used to check DesNews everyday just to read about the Jazz. I'm getting sick of it. This is terrible stuff. Your article about "chemistry" was ridiculous. I can't believe he compared his high school team to the NBA. Doug Robinson called people in the upper bowl "slugs" earlier this year. I'm sick of these people.

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