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NBA: Does Carlos Boozer Still Have A Spot On A Contender?

By Greg Chin

Apr 13, 2015; Sacramento, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward Carlos Boozer (5) celebrates with guard Jordan Clarkson (6) after scoring a basket against the Sacramento Kings during the fourth quarter at Sleep Train Arena. The Sacramento Kings defeated the Los Angeles Lakers 102-92. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 13, 2015; Sacramento, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward Carlos Boozer (5) celebrates with guard Jordan Clarkson (6) after scoring a basket against the Sacramento Kings during the fourth quarter at Sleep Train Arena. The Sacramento Kings defeated the Los Angeles Lakers 102-92. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-USA TODAY Sports /
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According to Yahoo! Sports’ Adrian Wojnarowski, free agent and former Los Angeles Laker Carlos Boozer will take the “Ray Allen” route in regards to next season. Boozer is unlikely to sign with a team before the season starts and will in fact, wait to see if he can sign with a contender later on in the season.

It’s important to note that Allen, who chose to do the same last season, did not end up signing for a team. He announced in March that he decided to remain retired, but stopped short of declaring himself as “officially” retired.

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However, the difference between Boozer and Allen is that Boozer is just 33, and could still play for a few more seasons in the NBA. The only question is whether he still merits a roster spot on a contender.

Since leaving the Utah Jazz, Boozer’s career has been on the decline. With the Chicago Bulls, Boozer averaged 15.5 points and 9.0 rebounds per game. At Utah, he posted 19.3 points and 10.5 rebounds per game. Signing on for a five-year, $72 million contract, Boozer caught the ire of fans as many thought that his performances did not justify the hefty contract.

Based on the statistics, they were right. Boozer was considered by many to be a player that would pad his stats, and didn’t contribute much to the team’s success. His shot can be inconsistent at times, his basketball IQ is lacking, and his defense is close to mediocre.

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A small contingent of Bulls’ fans will invariably be up in arms to defend Boozer, claiming “he’s not that bad.” But unfortunately, the stats don’t lie – he had a real plus/minus of -4.1 last season, and ranked 85th out of 94 power forwards.

In short, Boozer doesn’t do enough to warrant a starting roster spot, or a contract that pays above $5 million a season.

But, what if Booz were to come off the bench, and earn the veteran’s minimum? Would he have some value then?

Last season, that was essentially Boozers’ role on the Lakers. He came off the bench, gave them 23.8 minutes per game, and had 11.8 points and 6.8 rebounds per game. While those numbers may seem flattering, it is important to remember that he was nearly the best player on the Lakers’ bench last season.

He did, however, prove that he could still contribute while coming off the bench. He shot 47.2 percent from midrange (above league average) and finished around the hoop at a 67.5 percent clip. Those numbers will entice teams that will be on the hunt for a backup power forward, especially one that can score in the midrange.

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    • That is where Boozer’s value lies – in the midrange. The best comparison I can come up with is the Golden State Warriors’ Marreese Speights. Both players are adept shooters in the midrange, and can help with the team’s spacing on offense. Their focus on the glass isn’t on boxing out or team rebounding, but rather ensuring that they get their own, which can be problematic. Their defense is also subpar, bordering on being a liability.

    But, as we saw last season, Speights was a key contributor in the Warriors’ championship run. Much like Speights, Boozer plays best when he is paired up with a defensive-minded center who can cover for his mistakes. Against weaker second units, Boozer’s defense is less of a liability, and his midrange shooting suddenly becomes more valuable.

    That is precisely why I expect a contender to make a play for Boozer later on in the season. If he can keep in shape and show that he still has the hunger and desire to succeed at a NBA level, there will be teams that are interested in signing him to a bench spot.

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