<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post"> Cleveland Cavaliers forward Carlos Boozer has been added to the U.S. Olympic men's basketball team, an NBA source told The Associated Press on Monday. Boozer accepted an invitation from USA Basketball and will join Cleveland teammate LeBron James on the ever-changing roster for this summer's games in Athens, said the source who spoke on condition of anonymity. Another source with knowledge of Boozer's invitation said an official announcement was expected later this week. In his second year in the league, Boozer emerged as one of the Eastern Conference's top power forwards this season. The former Duke star averaged 15.5 points and 11.4 rebounds for the improved Cavs, who went 35-47 after winning just 17 games a year ago. Like James, Boozer is a late addition to a U.S. team that has already lost several superstars for personal reasons.</div> Wow, this was totally unexpected. It's good for Boozer to get some more recognition around the league. Im sure him and LeBron will have the experience of a lifetime. Congrates Booz! Source
Carlos Boozer has done everything possible to deserve this he works hard and is the backbone of his team, even though they are in search of guidance Boozer gives 'em all he's got. Boozer will surely pick up a few things this offseason, and this proves he was the biggest sleeper in last years draft. Boozer going as a second rounder..... geez.. what's wrong with scout's these days.
Yeah I read that and was just surprised ! Not saying he doesn't deserve it, but man did it come out of nowhere Go Booze!
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Captain Quicks:</div><div class="quote_post">Carlos Boozer has done everything possible to deserve this he works hard and is the backbone of his team, even though they are in search of guidance Boozer gives 'em all he's got. Boozer will surely pick up a few things this offseason, and this proves he was the biggest sleeper in last years draft. Boozer going as a second rounder..... geez.. what's wrong with scout's these days.</div> Actually Boozer has not done everything possible to be on the Olympic team. He has been a pleasant surprise, but Olympic team, you have to be kidding me. He doesn't even dominate in the big man deprived east. I would rather have Zach Randolph, a 22 and 11 power forward in the west, than Boozer. The committee is too worried about getting good character guys and that may end up being the reason we do not bring the gold back home w/ us. Why hasn't Carmelo received an invitation? Pierce was said to be the reason why we lost in 2002, but from what I saw he and Andre Miller were the only players who competed in Indianapolis. He should definitely be there over Shawn Marion. PS The steal of the 2002 draft was not Carlos Boozer. It was Ronald "Flip" Murray. We'll see him on the Olympic qualifying team in 2006.
Yeh this is lovely news to hear. A great undersized pf in Boozer will do some damage to those opposing countries teamates. And with this opportunity Lebron and Boozer will have some more time to mesh as teamates. Which i think will really help them in the long run. I mean the fact that they'll be with each other through thin and thick times is going to be irreplaceable down the line. i also think the league did a great job in picking backups for these superstar. lastly i would like to state that i think the two rooks in Wade and Lebron will do great together at the pg position. I cant wait until this team fully forms . So that i can see the roster.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Iron Shiek:</div><div class="quote_post">Actually Boozer has not done everything possible to be on the Olympic team. He has been a pleasant surprise, but Olympic team, you have to be kidding me. He doesn't even dominate in the big man deprived east. I would rather have Zach Randolph, a 22 and 11 power forward in the west, than Boozer. The committee is too worried about getting good character guys and that may end up being the reason we do not bring the gold back home w/ us. Why hasn't Carmelo received an invitation? Pierce was said to be the reason why we lost in 2002, but from what I saw he and Andre Miller were the only players who competed in Indianapolis. He should definitely be there over Shawn Marion. PS The steal of the 2002 draft was not Carlos Boozer. It was Ronald "Flip" Murray. We'll see him on the Olympic qualifying team in 2006.</div> Nicely said. Boozer is good but I don't think he deserved a spot on the Olympic Team. Zach Randolph or even Lamar Odom should have been offered an invitation over of Carlos Boozer. Being that every player opted out of the US team except for Duncan and Iverson, the US team committee didn't seem as if they had too many options remaining. So from that standpoint, Boozer deserved an invitation but no over Odom or Randolph.
I'm extremely excited about the idea of seeing Boozer in Athens. The potential he exhibited throughout the season was astonishing. I'm proud to have a good player with a good heart on the team. An overlooked aspect of Boozer's game is that he doesn't taunt too much (unlike that putz Vince Carter) it's important that the U.S. Ships out a good stand-up, legit guy like Carlos to Athens. Edit: (Wow that's one helluva run-on )
Yeah. Odom would've probably been a better choice coz he can also do some PG duties. Zach would've been a better choice also. Zach and Booz both doesn't play defense so I'd go for the one who's better offensively.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Iron Shiek:</div><div class="quote_post">Actually Boozer has not done everything possible to be on the Olympic team. He has been a pleasant surprise, but Olympic team, you have to be kidding me. He doesn't even dominate in the big man deprived east. I would rather have Zach Randolph, a 22 and 11 power forward in the west, than Boozer. The committee is too worried about getting good character guys and that may end up being the reason we do not bring the gold back home w/ us. Why hasn't Carmelo received an invitation? Pierce was said to be the reason why we lost in 2002, but from what I saw he and Andre Miller were the only players who competed in Indianapolis. He should definitely be there over Shawn Marion. PS The steal of the 2002 draft was not Carlos Boozer. It was Ronald "Flip" Murray. We'll see him on the Olympic qualifying team in 2006.</div> They only get class acts for the Olympics? I never knew that. If that's true, then wtf is Stephon Marbury doing on the team? I'm very happy for Boozer, he's a future all-star, this is just something truly great and honorable to add to one's stat and career belt. Good luck to him, he'll bring some real toughness, size and "strength" to the team. About time they got someone ultra powerful and he could possibly help a lot with the boards like he does with the Cavs.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Magic Johnson:</div><div class="quote_post">They only get class acts for the Olympics? I never knew that. If that's true, then wtf is Stephon Marbury doing on the team? I'm very happy for Boozer, he's a future all-star, this is just something truly great and honorable to add to one's stat and career belt. Good luck to him, he'll bring some real toughness, size and "strength" to the team. About time they got someone ultra powerful and he could possibly help a lot with the boards like he does with the Cavs.</div> You are right, Steph isn't a "character" guy. That is why he wasn't selected to the original Olympic team. To be honest w/ you a lot of these picks are head scratching. Back in 1992 the Olympic committee selected the twelve best players in the league (w/ a few exceptions at the time--Pippen at the time shouldn't have made it, Isiah Thomas should have). I thought that after the 2002 World Championships the committee was going to get back to taking the best players in the league that wanted to participate. Obviously I was wrong. Right now if I was chair of the Olympic selection committee and I had the opportunity to select who was going to participate in the Olympics this summer this is who I'd pick: Allen Iverson Lebron James Carmelo Anthony Amare Stoudamire Tim Duncan Dwayne Wade Richard Hamilton Paul Pierce Ron Artest Lamar Odom Zach Randolph Theo Ratliff (a bigger and better defensive presence than Ben Wallace--I know I am going to get killed for this one) This team is far from the best that the U.S. has to offer but considering how many people pulled out this may be the best team available. I just made this up quick and I could have forgotten someone who is worthy of being an Olympian, but all in all this would be my team. Notable exceptions Shawn Marion - can't dribble and can't shoot (unless he is wide open) Richard Jefferson - is not better than 'Melo, Pierce, or Artest Baron Davis - was terrible at World Championships and settles for too many threes Stephon Marbury - talented as hell, born loser Steve Francis - has trouble in a team concept and may have already peaked as a player Carlos Boozer - untested, needs to show that he can play big in big games (not in college) Andre Miller - hardest ommission, just wasn't enough room on the roster Rashard Lewis - needs to play w/ more passion (especially in the second half) Michael Redd - streaky shooter who really doesn't bring anything else to the table besides his scoring Ben Wallace - was exploited in the World Championships (see Dejan Bodiroga of Yugoslavia), an offensive liability (especially with a wider lane), and undersized Ronald "Flip" Murray - selection wouldn't have given this post any credibility but to be honest I believe is (or will be) better than every guard on this roster I might have forgotten some people even to omit. Due to the variety of excuses that the original team members (and potential team members) have made to skip the games, I feel that this roster would give the US the best chance to win the gold. The team is versatile, young, and hungry. In saying that, I think that whatever team goes to Athens is going to have a very difficult time winning the gold medal.
<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">The steal of the 2002 draft was not Carlos Boozer. It was Ronald "Flip" Murray. We'll see him on the Olympic qualifying team in 2006.</div> Im sure that Boozer will be an All-Star before Flip Murry. <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">Nicely said. Boozer is good but I don't think he deserved a spot on the Olympic Team. Zach Randolph or even Lamar Odom should have been offered an invitation over of Carlos Boozer.</div> Read around, Odom will get an invite. So averaging a double-double playing next to Zyrdunas and LeBron and coming from a college team that teaches fundementals isn't good enough for the Olympics? Sure there buddy. Boozer has a winners mentallaty and you had to have watched him play every night like I did to appreciate his abilities. They are looking for players that still have the love for the game and have something to play for. The players that you all have mentioned already have millions and plenty of awards. Take a good look at the players picked this year, they chose alot of players that still haven't accomplished alot in the league and they are giving them the chance to do so.
[quote name='Mr_Infante']Im sure that Boozer will be an All-Star before Flip Murry. That may be the case but I'm sure when they both call it a career that there will not even be a comparison. Flip is still the league's best kept secret.
Boozer was picked ahead of Randolph for one main reason. Randolph has issues off the court. Zach is the better player, however the baggage he carries was too much for him to be selected. Odom is a natural small forward, which already has been filled, although he utility value should serve him well for selection.
This is awesome but he don't do deserve too be on the USA Team.... No rookies really should but just because the veterans are being wimps. But I do agree James should be on it cause he can sell tickets. But anyways good job Boozer.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Deadlock:</div><div class="quote_post">This is awesome but he don't do deserve too be on the USA Team.... No rookies really should but just because the veterans are being wimps. But I do agree James should be on it cause he can sell tickets. But anyways good job Boozer.</div> Im confused by your first line you say that no rookies are really suppost to be on the team. Are you reffering to james or boozer? Because if it is boozer you are reffering two he is not a rookie he will be in his 3rd nba season at the start of next season.
Ok what I'm trying too say is Carlos Boozer hasnt proved himself too make the USA team. Because USA team is suspsoe too be the best of the best of america. He only got in cause of people dropping out of it, but I'm glad too see him in it. I was saying that no rookies should really be in the team but LeBron should be cause he can sell tickets and merchandise.
This years roster isn't made with the "Best players". It has been changed to the "Best TEAM" put together. Just because a roster is full of All-Stars doesn't mean they will play well together.
BTW: Averaging 16 points and 10 boards isn't good enough to compete in the Olympics? Thats hard to believe.
They might win it all like the pistons, no superstars, no fueds, just team players playing their games and winning
