It’s been a bad week for Carlos Boozer. After being swept out of the 2010 NBA Playoffs by the Lakers in 4 straight games and probably playing his last game as a member of the Utah Jazz, Boozer received even more bad news upon hearing that his Cadillac Escalade was accidentally backed into by the Lakers’ team bus.
After being Utah’s leader in scoring and rebounds during the regular season with averages of 19.5 points and 11.2 rebounds, Boozer was often overshadowed in the playoffs by teammate Deron Williams who basically took the Jazz on his back this postseason. He seemed to fade in Utah’s 2nd round series against the defending champion Lakers, where he struggled offensively against LA’s much taller frontcourt consisting of 7 footers Pau Gasol, Lamar Odom, and Andrew Bynum.
Even though he was his usual dominant self on the boards by grabbing 13 rebounds per night, he was constantly harassed by the length of LA’s massive opposing defenders, and even though he averaged a respectable 15 ppg in the series, he shot only 43%, and was blocked an amazing 8 times. He was especially MIA in the Game 4 clincher, where he managed just 10 points, and committed 4 turnovers while fouling out, in what could very well be his final game played in those hideous purple and white Jazz uniforms.
Carlos will now be one of the numerous high priced free agents this Summer, joining Lebron James, Dwyane Wade, and Amare Stoudemire, since he decided to play out this final year of his multi-year contract signed back in 2004, after deciding not to opt out after last season. Even though he will turn 30 by the start of next season, he remains as one of the Top 5 power forwards in the game, who are capable of being a team’s #1 option. Internet rumors have him winding up anywhere from New York, Chicago, or even in Miami, as Wade’s sidekick.
But the Lakers bus accident that occurred after last night’s home loss at the hands of the champs, has to sting a little bit and might have Boozer ready to get out of Salt Lake City as soon as possible. Some fans in Cleveland may be thinking karma had something to do with it since Boozer once re-nigged on a promise to resign with the Cavs if they let him out of his current deal. Surely it’s ancient history now, but Boozer reportedly used Cleveland to get out of a bad deal to sign a much more lucrative 6 year, $70 million deal with Utah.
The former first round pick out of Duke University and Olympic gold medalist shouldn’t dwell on his disappointing flame out against the Lakers for too long, since he’s about to become a very rich man. Next year, my guess is he will be on a booze cruise in Miami or wearing Mickie Mouse ears playing alongside longtime friend Dwight Howard in Orlando.
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.
