Why Carlos Boozer Holds the Key to Chicago Bulls' Postseason Succes

Even with Derrick Rose missing 17 games so far this season, the Chicago Bulls have managed to maintain the top overall record in the NBA thus far this season, coming in at 41-11, which would put them on pace for 65 wins in an 82-game season. 

Carlos Boozer has actually not contributed as much statistically as he did last season. His scoring, rebounding and assists are all down this season compared to last season. He is also playing only 29.8 minutes per game, the lowest number since his rookie season. 

Even though his numbers are down, he is more important to this team than ever. He is one of the plethora of options on this super-deep Bulls roster, but he is perhaps their second-most important cog. He is the only player who is a consistent frontcourt scoring threat. While Taj Gibson and Joakim Noah are passable offensive players, they're not players that you want taking a lot of shots. Omer Asik is just laughably bad on offense. Boozer is by far the best player in the frontcourt at getting easy opportunities. 

Now at this point, it's arguable that Carlos Boozer isn't even the fourth best player on this team behind Derrick Rose, Joakim Noah and Luol Deng. However, Boozer brings something very specific to the table, and that's the ability to score inside and hit the open jumper. 

If opponents try playing the perimeter players tight, Boozer can easily slip into the cracks and finish around the basket with ease. If players try to pack the lane, then Boozer can easily hit the jumper. 

What we have to look at too is how the Bulls lost the series last season against Miami. Boozer didn't necessarily play horribly, but he disappeared when it mattered in the fourth. The main thing, however, is that Chris Bosh absolutely destroyed Boozer in that series. 

If the Bulls want to advance far into the playoffs, past Miami, Boozer needs to play Bosh close. If he gets destroyed, then the Bulls have no chance.