Allen Moll is an avid NBA and College Basketball fan who watches and studies games religiously and coaches youth basketball in his native Lehigh Valley region of Pennsylvania. Allen is a regular columnist for thehoopdoctors.com, Bleacherreport.com, UpperDeckblog.com, and his own site, Hoops Haven.
Carlos Boozer is arguably having his best season of his NBA career in spite of all the off-season drama which saw him change his mind on opting out of his 1 year remaining contract with the Utah Jazz. Boozer decided to remain in Utah for one more season before hitting the free agent market next Summer,……………………….if he makes it that far.
The Jazz will undoubtedly be looking for suitors for the 2 time NBA All Star who has averages of 19 ppg and 10.4 rebounds this season. The Jazz already have a younger, cheaper version of Boozer in Paul Millsap, whom they re-signed this Summer as an insurance policy if Carlos did decide to opt out after last season. Millsap was a 2nd round selection by the Jazz in ’06 and has immense promise since he has the distinction of being the only player in NCAA history to lead the nation in rebounding for 3 straight seasons. Millsap averaged 13.5 ppg and 8.6 rebs for Utah last season after starting 38 games in place of the injured Boozer last season.
Boozer is making it known around the league that he wouldn’t mind playing alongside his best friend Dwight Howard in Orlando. While it is nice to want things, it is virtually impossible for the 2 former Olympians to play together in Orlando since the Magic are hopelessly over the NBA salary cap as the team is presently assembled. But don’t rule out a trade deadline deal between the two clubs if they can match up the salaries. Even if Boozer makes it to free agency, regardless of where he plays the rest of this season, Orlando has to be intruiged at the thought of having two of the league’s premier power players on the court at the same time for the Magic.
Boozer and Howard have been friends for many years even before they starred for USA Basketball in the 2008 Olympics in China. They are so close that Boozer stayed at Howard’s house during last season’s NBA Finals against the Lakers, while Boozer and his wife were having marital problems and have since divorced. In fact, Carlos already owns a beachfront condo in Florida, although he will probably be forced to sell it in the divorce settlement.
Could these two NBA superstars, who consider themselves brothers, be playing on the same squad this or next season?
Never say never, since the 2010 Summer of free agency will see the most player movement of star players that we have ever seen, which will make for some dynamic combinations of All Stars on some teams. It all matters how much of the luxury tax that these franchises are willing to pay. If he really wants to play with Howard, he will more than likely have to give up landing that max free agent contract(5 year-$90 million) that he has been hoping for to play for a chance at an NBA title.
Check Out a Carlos Boozer Career Highlights Video
