Chicago Bulls: Is It Time to Sit Carlos Boozer and Start Taj Gibson?

Given his status as a double-double machine and a power forward with soft outside touch, Carlos Boozer was considered to be a nice complement to Derrick Rose.

The sentiment was, when healthy, Boozer could be that reliable second scorer on the floor and the inside presence that would keep too much attention from being focused on Rose.

Last season, however, health was not Boozer’s friend as he missed the much of the first month in 2010. Although he averaged 17.5 points and 9.6 rebounds after he returned, his perceived inconsistency did very little to keep the scrutiny at bay.

Coming into the 2011-2012 NBA season, Boozer was looking forward to silencing his critics. He lost weight to take some stress off of his body and was praised by coach Tom Thibodeau for his increased mobility. Thibs was even looking forward to playing some low-post basketball for change.

So far this season, Boozer has continued to disappoint.

Boozer’s numbers are down from last season, as he is averaging 13.5 points and bringing down 8.3 rebounds per game. His MLK day performance against the Memphis Grizzlies once again calls in to question his value to the Bulls franchise.

Boozer had 13 first-half points, which is pretty impressive, except he finished the game with those same 13 points. Once he was subbed out in the third quarter, he never saw the court again.

In a game like the one against the Grizzlies that was played without Rose, Boozer was supposed to help carry the load. Boozer was supposed to get down in the blocks, face up his defender and either knock down the jumper or kick to an open player.

Instead, Boozer practically stayed in one spot on the floor, waited for the ball to come to him instead of going to get it and got burned on defense.

For man who’s playing with a five-year contract worth $80 million, you’d think he could contribute more than that and play past six minutes after the half.

Boozer’s current mission to silence his critics has provided more ammunition than evidence to refute that he is not the caliber of player the Bulls need him to be.

His backup, Taj Gibson, plays with more passion and consistency, but Boozer’s salary pretty much cements him in the starting lineup and makes him virtually untradeable for the next few seasons.

A tough decision will eventually have to be made about Boozer. Do you give him the benefit of the doubt and chalk everything up to early-season rust, or do you start to go with the person who seems more capable of performing?

It’s getting harder and harder to wait on Booz to wake up. He is a nine-year veteran who shows no polish as a leader and as someone who can be relied upon as frequent contributor on the court.

Maybe it’s time to sit him down and let Gibson step into the starting five for a while.

That just may prove to be the remedy for Boozer’s complacency, or at least, for the Bulls’ shortcomings at the starting PF position.