Long Offseason Ahead
It looks like it might be a long summer for Carlos Boozer.
Not only did he struggle mightily against both the Rockets and the Lakers this spring, not only did his team seem to play much better when he was off the court, and not only did the NBA apparently amend the rule book (Section 8.6 now reads: "Any contact on Carlos Boozer is allowed, at any time, regardless of the severity or the impact on the play"), but Boozer's kryptonite was on full display for all the world to see.
Boozer plays below the rim in an above the rim world.
It's pretty much as simple as that. He had a hard time with Duncan last year in the postseason but nobody really noticed because the Jazz weren't quite ready for prime time. But this year, with Deron Williams taking his game to the crazy next level and with an improved bench, Utah was poised to emerge as the West's best. Alas, it became very apparent that Boozer struggles mightily against taller, more athletic players. As in, he can't get a clean shot off. And he throws passes away because he's trying to move to quickly. And he changes pivot feet.
It was actually pretty hard to watch. And it doesn't stand to get any easier for Boozer next year. The Lakers will be even taller and more athletic with Bynum back in the mix. Tyson Chandler and the Hornets will be bringing the Birdman back into the fold (goodbye, Melvin Ely). The Spurs will no doubt find a way to extend their deal with the devil. Shaq and Yao and Camby and Biedrins will all be around. And, most terrifying yet, the Blazers will be adding Oden to a front line of LaMarcus Aldridge and Joel Pryzbilla. Will Boozer ever get off another clean shot attempt?
My man has a lot to think about this summer, that's for sure.
2 comments:
Boozer is dead to me. If he doesn't suck it up big time in five of the six games this series, the Jazz are in the Western Conference Finals. I could stand his lack of any semblance of defense when he was scoring 20+ points a game, but when he's getting 12 points on 5-16 shooting, his matador defense is even more glaring.
Trade the man, I say. Though at this point I don't know who would take him and his $60 million contract.
Boozer killed it for me too. I say give Paul Millsap a chance, when given the opportunity he has come through big time! Trade Boozer, Kirelinko, and Okur... Get some damn defence, and let Millsap, Williams, and Korver do the offense.
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