NBA Rumors: Carlos Boozer's Problems Hurting Chicago Bulls' Title Hopes
The Chicago Bulls entered this season with NBA championship aspirations. At 5-1, they look like one of the top contenders in the Eastern Conference. But things are not all sunshine and roses, particularly with Carlos Boozer.
The struggling power forward is averaging just 12.5 points and 8.3 rebounds per game this season. Those are the lowest totals he has posted in both categories since he was a rookie in 2002.
According to Nick Friedell of ESPNChicago.com, the Bulls aren't going to release him because he is still owed about $60 million over the next four years.
Steve Aschburner of NBA.com used the term "teflon" to describe Boozer and the way that he plays the game.
""Teflon" is another tag that seems to suit Boozer. Because he seems so centered, so unflappable, so generally satisfied with his contributions and commitments that none of the bad ever seems to stick. It might be as momentary as letting an opponent blow by him without moving, a boisterous yell providing his only resistance. It might be greater than that, as in the dents to his reputation last season from injuries and a few too many games gone small.
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Boozer needs to find the aggression and anger when he has the ball or is playing defense. He gets too comfortable and has no real presence on the court for this team.
The Bulls reportedly explored trade options for Boozer last summer, so you know that they feel he is a problem. But unless they can somehow eat most of the contract and get back another player that will produce offensively, it is not going to happen.
But keeping Boozer on the team is not going to help them get to where they want to go, and they need to find some way to get him to play up to his potential.
