http://blogs.bulls.com/2014/07/bulls-did-well-by-having-carlos-boozer/ Sam got Boozer's dick out of his mouth long enough to add to the fluff piece:
Boozer is a prideful man, and though he didn’t show it or cause any team disruption, it was hurtful. I suspect Boozer will be a much better player next season. I’d heard he’s contacted and worked this summer with some of the top big men who have played, including Karl Malone. With so much money available for free agents as players tend to mostly remain with their teams, it’s possible Boozer could earn another substantial contract next summer. It wouldn’t be a surprise to see him return next season in good shape and having a productive season. Though it is what the Bulls had to do. Timing is vital in most every endeavor and certainly in sports. It was time that Taj Gibson’s apprenticeship learning behind Boozer–and Gibson wasn’t ready until into last season—came to an end. As it happens, it may not because of the Bulls’ free agent acquisition of Pau Gasol. Gibson may have to remain a sixth man reserve to open the season. But he’ll clearly be in a three-man partnership with Gasol and Joakim Noah for playing time with no one–and not even Noah–guaranteed a starting or finishing spot depending on how the season progresses. So it’s even more necessary that Boozer’s time with the Bulls come to an end. And even more so as the Bulls added yet another power forward, albeit of a different kind, in shooter Nikola Mirotic from Spain. In many respects, Boozer did become a reserve last season as Gibson played the entire fourth quarters of most games. To his credit, Boozer basically never made it an issue and appeared to count the success and continuity of the team ahead of his personal success. For that, the Bulls owe Boozer a debt even if it’s what he was supposed to do. Though not that many follow through in that way. The easy answer is you make so much money you should not complain. But no matter the employment, it’s rare to see any workplace where workers or executives do not complain or make it an issue when they are demoted. The Bulls won two thirds of their games during Boozer’s four-year tenure with the team. The playoff record of 17-22 with two first round eliminations, though one when Rose and Noah were injured after the Bulls led the league in wins, led to much community frustration that too often found Boozer as a target. Certainly, Boozer’s defensive play was lacking and he produced erratically in the playoffs, though he rarely was a go to option. There won’t be any weepy goodbyes for Boozer. But he has remained professional, played regularly in never missing a playoff game, was a supportive teammate, enthusiastic and encouraging even as fates turned against him, and continued to score in double digits and always average almost 10 rebounds. The Bulls could have done a lot worse than having Carlos Boozer for four years. And they have. In the ledger of Bulls free agency, Boozer lands in the success column. We wish him well.
Which is still more fluff than he deserves. He was ok. He had good moments. He did not remotely live up to expectations. He is on the slippery slope of pro sport decline on a hugely undeserved pay day. buh-bye
Let's reminisce. Gar just cost the Chairman $16M. Let's see how that plays out. Anyhow... http://sports.espn.go.com/chicago/nba/news/story?id=5361792 "We are confident that his skill set, toughness and leadership are all qualities that make him a great fit for the Bulls, and he will add a low-post element to our team that we have been searching for," Bulls general manager Gar Forman said in a statement. "Post players, with the skills that Carlos possesses, are at a premium in the NBA and we believe that we have landed one of the best big men in the NBA."
Boozer was a class act. Seems to have a good attitude and played his game through thick and thin. Wasn't worth what GarPax paid him, but he still produced. If he was making Taj Gibson money and wasn't the consolation prize on GarPax whiffing on Lebron/Wade, I don't think he'd have so much hate directed his way. He did a lot of things well, especially early on in the contract, but his game is in decline. But, when you sign a FA like that, this is what happens towards the end of the deal oftentimes. Gasol is older than Boozer and has more of an injury history. Would not be a shock if the last year of the Gasol deal isn't all wine and roses, of course its for a lot less money. Boozer was the starting PF on one of the only "contending" teams the Bulls have had since MJ. He was a very good NBA basketball player. Some other team will be happy to pick him up and pay him millions of dollars for his services.
http://www.chicagotribune.com/sport...ion-on-carlos-boozer-20140715,0,4360207.story His per-36 minutes averages -- 20.4 points and 11.1 rebounds in Utah vs. 18.4 points and 10.7 rebounds with the Bulls -- were comparable, although his shooting percentage dipped. In a tweet, Boozer said, "Wanna Say Thank You To The Bulls Organization!!! Thank You For The Last Four Years!!!" The Bulls went 205-107 for a .657 winning percentage in Boozer’s four seasons as a starter. “Carlos epitomized professionalism in everything he did for the Bulls both on the court, and in the community, during his time here in Chicago,” Bulls general manager Gar Forman said in a statement. “Over the last four seasons, Carlos’ productivity helped elevate our team to another level. I have nothing but respect for Carlos, and certainly wish him the best as he moves forward.” (did people expect him to somehow get better?)
I like Gasol over Boozer. Gasol has a better post game. Better passer. Better size. Boozer is a better rebounder. Overall, I think it's an upgrade.
You're 100% correct K4E, the only problem with Boozer was the amount of money he was making. At less than the MLE, he is going to be a bargain for some team providing a scoring punch off the bench.
