Carlos Boozer to Play Overseas: Chicago Bulls Cannot Be Pleased

Tom Thibodeau and Gar/Pax woke up this morning and probably fainted when the news broke that Carlos Boozer will play overseas during the likely NBA lockout. And to be honest, this is worst thing possible for Bulls.

Boozer shouldn't play at all during the lockout—for a pickup team at the YMCA, or an overseas team. ESPN today has reported that Boozer likely will go to China. For a variety of reasons, Boozer could hurt the Bulls when the actual season begins.

The first issue with Boozer is his age. He definitely isn't the youngest player in the NBA. Players such as Kevin Durant and Derrick Rose could play in Europe, as their age allows them to play a significant amount of games, including a full NBA season and games overseas. 

If Boozer were to play overseas, there is going to be some wear and tear on his body. Due to his age, Boozer can only take so many minutes a season. Boozer would therefore be hurting the Bulls if he played in Europe, because he would use up some of his minutes before the season actually started.

This is not to say that there is an actual limit on Boozer, similar to a pitch count. But if he begins to play too many games at a high intensity before the NBA starts, he will break down much more quickly during the season.

The next issue with Boozer playing overseas is his injury problems. Obviously, Boozer has been an injury problem his entire career. Coupled with his old age, it is even likelier he will suffer some serious injury. If he gets hurt, the Bulls could be without Boozer again to start the season.

Granted, the issues with Boozer playing overseas are superficial. But, if he plays, he will get hurt and the Bulls will be at a severe disadvantage without him.