B/R Exclusive Interview: Carlos Boozer Would've Won Title With LeBron James
It's not easy being one of the NBA's most under appreciated players.
Putting up 20 points and eleven rebounds per game on a winning team and not going to the All Star game. Racking up more double-doubles than anyone but Dwight Howard in the last six seasons but not being talked about the way other marquee free agents were this off-season.
However, isn't it great when that player doesn't care for the lime light? When they're most concerned about what it's going to take to win a title?
Carlos Boozer doesn't feel slighted over the lack of media attention that was paid to him this summer. He has more important matters on his mind. That being how to make the Chicago Bulls championship contenders.
This is, after all, a guy who's used to winning and winning big.
He won back-to-back state titles in high school, won an NCAA championship while at Duke, and was a member of the USA's 2008 Olympic gold medal team. The only thing that's missing is an NBA championship ring.
When asked what he considered to be his best moment in basketball, Boozer said, "the Olympic gold medal in 2008 is it, hands down."
"It was a triumph for basketball in our country."
"There was a debate on whether we were still the best team or not. People were saying Argentina was number one in the world. [Others] were saying that China was going to be dominant with Yao Ming and obviously Spain was very good."
"It was a chance for us to come back and prove we were number one in basketball on a global stage."
"We felt that our NBA players represent the best that basketball has to offer. They named us the Redeem Team so they left us with all the hype and pressure to go over to [China] and beat the best teams from around the world. So to me that is my best basketball moment" thus far.
Playing with LeBron James as part of Team USA must have made Boozer think of what the two could have accomplished together had they remained NBA teammates.
"I think with LeBron competing to be the best player in the world with Kobe [Bryant], we would have definitely won a title. He was able to take that team to the Finals by himself pretty much. I think if we'd stayed together we would have won a championship."
Eight years into his professional career, Boozer is hungry to be on the last team standing yet again.
Thus begins the latest chapter in an otherwise stellar career.
Two months ago Boozer agreed to terms on a five year, $80 million contract. Has to feel pretty good getting paid a fortune to partake in something he'd do for free.
He didn't streak around the house, but he did feel enthusiastic at the opportunity to join the Bulls.
This is not to say that it was an easy move for Boozer to leave Utah. After all, he did spend six years with the Jazz. When asked what he'd miss most Boozer said, "My coach and my team. Coach Sloan and my teammates were phenomenal. I really enjoyed the entire staff there and playing with my teammates."
Salt Lake City is "a great community, great restaurants, and a lot of great people out there. I'll miss them as well."
But now begins the next chapter of his life. Along with the contract the move has given Boozer a renewed sense of motivation and optimism.
When asked about Miami's off-season acquisitions Boozer said it was, "Phenomenal, I think they did a great job. Any time you can get a player like Chris to team up with D.Wade and then add LeBron, who is arguably the best player in the world, it's exciting. And I think South Beach is going to be excited to see what their team is going [to] be like."
"I think those guys will be able to figure it out. They obviously have Pat Riley behind them and the team will figure out what will make them most successful but me, I'm looking forward to being a Chicago Bull baby."
In Chicago, Boozer will be teaming up with an emerging star in Derrick Rose and other solid players.
"I was excited to come to Chicago. It's [an organization] that I have admired over the years and a team which I grew up watching with Michael Jordan and the Bulls winning championships."
Despite the huge deal, don't expect Boozer to become complacent now. He fully expects to take his game and team to another level.
[Head Coach Tom Thibodeau] "has great defensive principals as you've seen with his teams. With his pedigree and where he comes from along with my pedigree of having played for Jerry Sloan in Utah. Then add some of the other guys that are already here we have a chance to be a very good defensive team. And for us to win a title which is what we're playing for, defense is going to have to be our staple."
Boozer knows the Bulls will face stiff opposition to get to the mountain top but welcomes the challenge.
"I think obviously Boston, because of their experience and how much success they have had. I think Orlando, I'll give them their due respect. Obviously you have the additions down in Miami, with LeBron and Chris going to join D.Wade there. They're going to be very good."
"I think those teams along with us will be the top of the crop in the East, but it's going to be a battle. I'm not going to sit here and say that Boston will be the number one seed. I'm not going to say that Miami will be the number one seed. It's going to be decided on the court and it's going to be exciting to see how the East is won this year."
"We're up for the challenge."
"In order for us to win a championship we [have] to play against the best teams. Obviously the Lakers hold that throne but we look forward to playing them as well."
With a new contract in place and a solid/balanced roster capable of contending for a championship taken care of, all that he needs now is to help guide a young and talented team to the proverbial "mountain top".
Judging by his comments, don't expect him to rest until he gets just that.
"I'll save the celebrating til after we win a title. Hopefully over the years that I'm here we'll get a couple of them."
If his past and pedigree as a winner and prolific stat producer are any indication, Boozer will definitely enjoy a climactic champagne shower in the not too distant future.
