Utah's Carlos Boozer could be joining Dwight Howard In Orlando

Carlos Galarza-Veve by Contributor Written on June 10, 2009
SALT LAKE CITY - APRIL 25:  Carlos Boozer #5 of the Utah Jazz comes down with a rebound in Game Four of the Western Conference Quarterfinals against the Los Angeles Lakers during the 2009 NBA Playoffs at Energy Solutions Arena on April 25, 2009 in Salt Lake City, Utah.  The Lakers won 108-94.  NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.  (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images)  (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images)

Utah Jazz power forward Carlos Boozer was spotted in the seats at Amway Arena at one of the Orlando Magic home games against the Cleveland Cavaliers during the Eastern Conference Finals.

Question is, did Boozer buy his own ticket, or did Magic GM Otis Smith or Cavaliers GM Danny Ferry foot the bill?

As is widely known, Boozer is an unrestricted free agent this summer and there are many teams drooling over his career 16.8 points and 10 boards per game. His mid-range jumper is deadly, but more impressive is his bruising presence under the boards. He also is a lock-down defender.

Boozer's style of play reminds some with long memories of Dave DeBusschere, the rugged power forward who came to the New York Knicks in a trade with the Detroit Pistons. DeBusschere was the missing piece that helped the Knicks win two championships in the early 1970s.

DeBusschere could be counted on night in and night out to score his 18-20-22 points and 12-14-16 boards any given game. He too was one of the toughest defenders in the game.

DeBusschere was the perfect complement to center Willis Reed. Boozer also would help unleash Dwight Howard's full potential by easing the load under the boards and on defense.

That is what the 6-8 and solidly built former Duke All-American could bring to the Cavs or Magic to make them perennial title contenders.

It would not come as a surprise to see Boozer in a Magic uniform next season.

To bring Boozer in, Magic GM Smith could pull off a sign-and-trade with the Jazz that would send Hedo Turkoglo, who also is an unrestricted free agent, to Utah.

Turkoglo has helped the Magic win many games, but he's erratic. He could be great one game and a goat the next.

The self-proclaimed Michael Jordan of Turkey is prone to bonehead plays on both ends of the court at the most inopportune moment. He tends to hog the ball, dribbles too much and forgets there are four teammates waiting to touch the ball.

Also, by shipping Turkoglo's contract to Utah, it would allow the Magic to move All-Star forward Rashard Lewis back to his natural weak-side forward position. Could you imagine what a handful Lewis would be playing against smaller defenders?

The Magic, with Boozer in the line-up, would probably be up three games to zip against the Lakers instead of being down two to one.

Chances are it was no accident that Boozer was at Amway checking out his future team.

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Would a Carlos Boozer-Dwight Howard match be a dream ticket or a nightmare?

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Would a Carlos Boozer-Dwight Howard match be a dream ticket or a nightmare?

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  • Total votes: 32
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written on June 10, 2009 Sports

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