How Does Carlos Boozer Stack Up Against The Top Big Men in The NBA?

The Chicago Bulls had a supremely active off-season that was highlighted by numerous significant free-agent signings. However, the Bulls hectic summer wouldn't mean anything if it wasn't for the signing of the 6'9, 266lb Carlos Boozer. 

Make no mistake about it. Carlos Boozer is a beast of a man. 

His offensive abilities as a big man are spectacular, as he's a tremendous low-post player, elite rebounder, superb passer and a dominating scorer. However, many NBA fans may be undervaluing a player of Boozer's caliber.

He's isn't just an above-average big man, he's an elite power forward that's going to help the Bulls immensely in their quest for a title. 

In this article, I'll be comparing Boozer with the other top big men in the league, and keep in mind that I say big men because I won't be comparing Boozer to just power forwards but centers as well. 

Also a few things to point out. When comparing Boozer to other big men, I will only be focused on their caliber of play as of today. A player's past accolades and accomplishments or a player's potential in the future has no bearing in comparison to the level of play of that player as of right now.

I will only compare them as to what kind of player's they are today, even if they may have regressed or are loaded with potential. Any questions or concerns, then just leave a comment. 

So without further ado, let's get started. 

Don't Stand a Chance

Obviously a player of Boozer's caliber deserves a certain amount of respect. As such, it would be unnecessary to compare the All-Star power forward with just any average NBA big man. So the following is a list of players who I won't compare Boozer to, simply because they are not on his level of playing caliber. 

Yao Ming : The biggest wildcard, until I see him at the start of the season, He's currently disqualified.

Kevin Love : Great young big man, but has a long way to go before reaching Boozer's level. 

Nene: Solid big man with a polished offensive game but considerably weak in other areas. 

Paul Millsap: Boozer's old teammate is certainly a talented player but there is a reason Boozer started and he didn't.

Al Jefferson: Very skilled big man, but has not been much more than a solid player on losing teams (although that will change this year with Utah). 

Lamarcus Aldrige : Finesse big man who's perimeter oriented. Can't match Boozer's low post skill and all around game. 

Antawn Jamison : Has regressed considerably and now officially past his prime. 

Andrea Bargnani : Young, upcoming big man. Will get a chance to shine without Bosh in Toronto. Let's see what he can do. 

Troy Murphy : Solid shooting/rebounding big man, but not much else. 

Brook Lopez  : Highly skilled offensive big man. Needs to improve other parts of his game. 

Andrew Bynum: Much too injury prone and limited offensively outside of dunks and occasional hooks.

Al Horford : Great young big man, who's a bit of a tweener between PF and C. Needs to become better all-around player. 

Marc Gasol : Very solid big man with polished skills but lacks the instict to dominate in the post. 

Luis Scola : Another polished big man, but needs to improve defensively and increase consistency.

Emeka Okafor : Solid double-double big man, but weak offensive game that limits his point production.

Chris Kaman :  All-Star center but not a better rebounder, passer, low-post player than Boozer. 

Carlos Boozer Vs. Kevin Garnett

Lets start things off by comparing Boozer to none other than the "Big Ticket" Kevin Garnett.

KG has consistently been one of the top big men in the NBA for several years now, while taking home the "MVP" and "Defensive Player of the Year" awards.

However, his best days are certainly behind him. Garnett is no longer the intimidating, fearless, unstoppable force in the paint that he was earlier in the decade. His statistics are completely reflective of that, as they have been plummeting as the years have gone by. 

Last season Garnett averaged an unimpressive 14.7 points per game and 7.3 rebounds per game. And if that wasn't enough, his blocks average dropped below one for the first time in his career as he averaged an underwhelming 0.8 blocks per game.

There is no doubt Kevin Garnett's game has regressed, and while it certainly may have to do with his countless injuries, age and numerous number of seasons player, it still doesn't excuse the fact that he's not on Boozer's level.

No, not even close. Carlos Boozer at this point in his career is a far superior scorer and rebounder than Garnett. He is a much more effective low post player and his passing excels that of Garnett as well. Defensively, Garnett can still hold his own but can't contain Boozer in the low post.

To put it plain and simple, Carlos Boozer is hands down better than Kevin Garnett, and even the Boston Celtics will tell you that.

2009-2010 Stats

Kevin Garnett : 14.3 ppg  7.3 rpg  2.7 apg  1.0 spg  0.8 bpg  52% FG  84% FT

Carlos Boozer:  19.5 ppg  11.2 rpg  3.2 apg   1.1 spg   0.5 bpg   56% FG  74% FT

Carlos Boozer Vs. Andrew Bogut

Andrew Bogut is one of the emerging big men in not just the eastern conference but in the entire NBA. He averaged a double double last year with 15.9 ppg and 10.2 rpg.

And if it wasn't for that horrendous arm injury he unfortunately suffered at the end of last season, He could have helped the Bucks advance further in the playoffs.

Bogut played at an All-Star level last season and some may even argue that he deserved the backup center spot for the Eastern conference All-Star team over Al Horford.

However, when it comes to matching up with Carlos Boozer, Bogut just doesn't measure. Offensively, Boozer is a much more enhanced player.

He's a better scorer, evident by his 19.5 ppg average last season compared to 15.9 ppg by Bogut. Boozer wins the rebounding battle as well, as he was 6th in the NBA in rebounds last year and 1st in rebounds in the playoffs.

Defensively, Bogut is the superior shot-blocker but he does have an advantage with his height. Boozer is also a quality passer for a big man, something Bogut can't say. Field-goal and Free-throw percentage wise, Boozer takes the cake easily.

It's quite easy to see that at this point in their respective careers, Andrew Bogut just doesn't match up to Carlos Boozer's level.

Boozer is a much more polished big man and while Bogut does have the potential to surpass him, it certainly won't be this season.

2009-2010 Stats

Andrew Bogut: 15.9 ppg  10.2 rpg 1.8 apg  0.6 spg   2.5 bpg  52% FG   63 % FT

Carlos Boozer: 19.5 ppg  11.2 rpg  3.2 apg  1.1 spg  0.5 bpg  56% FG  74% FT

Carlos Boozer Vs. Zach Randolph

Up until last season, Zach Randolph was a liability to have on your team. The Clippers wanted to move him as soon as possible with the arrival of the no. 1 overall pick Blake Griffin, who was set to play the same position that Randolph did for the Clippers.

However, with his trade to the Memphis Grizzlies, Zach Randolph re-invented himself into a whole new player. While his stats didn't change much (he was always a 20-10 guy) Randolph was actually able to translate his impressive numbers into ACTUAL wins for his team, something that he struggled with earlier in his career.

That lead to Randolph being named to his very first All-Star team. So now it's quite simple to see why Zach Randolph is heralded as one of the top PFs in the NBA.

However, when comparing him to a talent like Boozer, he just doesn't measure up. While their stats might be very similar (both averaged about 20 ppg and 11 rpg), nothing else really is. Boozer is a hardworking, bulldozer and while his defense may not be at an elite level, it's certainly surpasses that of Randolph.

Boozer blows Randolph out of the water when it comes to passing, as Boozer has become one of the best passing big men in the league. Randolph on the other hand has a reputation to never give the ball back once he's received it.

Though both play the PF position, Randolph shoots a fairly low percentage from the field. Last season (his best season thus far) Randolph shot an unimpressive 48% while Boozer was at a very respectable 56%. Most of all, Boozer is a WINNER. Something Randolph can't say and that means something. 

Zach Randolph is good, but Carlos Boozer is better

2009-2010 Stats

Zach Randolph:  20.8 ppg  11.7 rpg  1.8 apg  1.0 spg  0.4 bpg  48% FG  78% FT

Carlos Boozer: 19.5 ppg  11.2 rpg   3.2 apg   1.1 spg  0.5 bpg  56% FG  74% FT

Carlos Boozer Vs. David Lee

David Lee is one of the most impressive and young talented big men in the league. In just five seasons, David Lee has established himself as one of the premier power forwards in the league with his gritty and hard-nosed style of basketball.

However, his youthfulness is exactly the reason why Carlos Boozer is the better of the two. While Lee may have the potential to one day surpass Boozer, it doesn't overshadow the fact that Boozer is for now the superior player.

In terms of statistics, both big men are about equal with averages of 20 ppg and 11 rpg. However, point should be noted that Lee racked up those stats on a weak, bottom of the east team in the New York Knicks while Boozer averaged the same on a much more powerful playoff team in Utah.

Also to be noted is that Boozer had a young PF in Paul Millsap ready to take away Boozer's minutes and starting role, while Lee had close to no one to challenge for his spot. This show that when Boozer produces, it means something.

Lee had all the freedom in the D'antoni offense to rack up his stats while Boozer played within Coach Jerry Sloans' system and excelled in it. 

Down on the low block, there's no question that Boozer is the far better offensive low post player. Lee may be a better rebounder but certainly not by far. David Lee is also notorious for his terrible defense and while Boozer may not be the best defender at his position, he has certainly done enough to validate for being a better defender than Lee. 

Statistically this comparison may seem close, but otherwise Carlos Boozer is the better player in all other aspects of the game. 

2009-2010 Stats

David Lee :  20.2 ppg  11.7 rpg   3.6 apg  1.0 spg   0.5 bpg   55% FG 81% FT

Carlos Boozer:  19.5 ppg  11.2 rpg  3.2 apg  1.1 spg  0.5 bpg   56% FG  77% FT

Carlos Boozer Vs Tim Duncan

Tim Duncan, in his prime, was by far and away the best power forward in the NBA. No forward even came close to Duncan's complete game. He was an elite low post player, with a countless arsenal of moves down on the low post.

His 15-foot bank shots were deadly. Duncan was also a superb defender, always averaging over two  blocks a game and would perplex the opposing team's gameplan with his brilliant defense in the paint. 

However, that all seems so long ago as Duncan has regressed considerably as a player. Thanks to re-occurring injuries and old age, Duncan is just not the same "powerhouse" of a player he once was.

When comparing the current Duncan to Boozer, it's vividly clear to see how Tim Duncan has declined. 

Offensively, I would say at this point in their careers, Boozer is the better scorer and low post player. Duncan just doesn't have that lift in his legs anymore.

His physical tools haven't kept up with his mental game. Boozer is also the superior rebounder but not by much. Passing wise, Duncan is at the same level as Boozer as both averaged 3.2 assists per game last season.

Defensively, like so many of Boozer's other counterparts, Duncan is the better player. Duncan was still able to average 1.5 blocks per game, which triumps Boozers block average of 0.5 per game. Field-goal and Free-throw percentage on the other hand go to Boozer. 

Tim Duncan may have been the better player over his career, but Carlos Boozer has now surpassed as the superior power forward. 

2009-2010 Stats

Tim Duncan : 17.9 ppg 10.7 rpg  3.2 apg  0.6 spg  1.5 bpg  52% FG  72% FT

Carlos Boozer: 19.5 ppg  11.2 rpg   3.2 apg  1.1 spg   0.5 bpg  56% FG  74% FT

Carlos Boozer Vs. Amar'e Stoudemire

Amar'e Stoudemire is another elite big man in the NBA. Over the years, Stoudemire has developed a very aggressive and flashy game that allows Stoudemire to be in many highlights.

Stoudemire finishes plays with monstrous dunks over his opponents. Offensively, there is little he can't do. Besides, his well known finishing abilities, Stoudemire is also an above-average mid-range jump shooter and an adequate low-post player.

Defense and rebounding is where Stoudemire's weaknesses occur, as he's a slightly above-average rebounder for his position and a lack luster defender. 

Comparing the player known as "STAT" to Boozer, creates some very interesting analysis. First and foremost, Stoudemire is the superior offensive talent, with his filthy finishes, sweet jumpers and unmatched driving ability.

However, Boozer is still the better low-post option. Much of Stoudemire's offense had been predicated on the former MVP Steve Nash's playmaking ability as Stoudemire was the beneficiary of many amazing passes.

He was never forced to being thrown the ball in the low post and creating like Boozer, although Boozer has also had Deron Williams at his arsenal.

Rebounding-wise, it's not even close. Carlos Boozer period. Lets move on to passing and we see that Boozer is also the better passer. Defensively, both are notorious for their sub-par defense but Amar'e is a slight better defender than Boozer. 

While Amar'e Stoudemire is the flashier, more exciting player, it doesn't take away from the fact that Carlos Boozer is the more complete big man. Boozer at this point is better than Amar'e Stoudemire.

2009-2010 Stats

Amar'e Stoudemire :  23.1 ppg  8.9 rpg 1.0 apg   0.6 spg  1.0 bpg     55% FG  77% FT

Carlos Boozer:  19.5 ppg   11.2 rpg   3.2 apg   1.1 spg   0.5 bpg        56% FG  74% FT

Carlos Boozer Vs. Chris Bosh

Chris Bosh is one of the premier power forwards in the league. He's got a vastly versatile inside-out game. On the block, Bosh had an array of moves he utilizes to score over his opponents and can face up and shoot the jumper with ease as well.

As stated before, Bosh is an impressive perimeter shooter for a big man, easily one of the better ones in the NBA. Rebounding-wise he's terrific as well and his passing isn't too shabby either for a big man. 

When comparing Bosh with Boozer, there are many aspects of each others game that are very similar in terms of offensive abilities and rebounding. Down in the low-block, Carlos Boozer is absolutely the better player as Bosh tends to hang around the perimeter far too much for big man.

Shooting wise, Bosh takes the cake easily as his perimeter oriented style for a big man allows him to a much better shooter. Rebounding is a bit too close to call but I'll have to say Boozer is better, though the argument for Bosh could very well be made. In terms of passing abilities, Carlos Boozer wins this one as well with his 3.2 assists per game last season.

Defensively, none of them are stoppers in the paint but Bosh is a slight better defender with a higher block average. Field-goal percentage belongs to Boozer as well but Free-throw percentage goes to Bosh. 

It's really a close call between the two All-Star power forwards but I'll go with Chris Bosh for two  reasons: Age and Injury. Boozer could very well be in the latter part of his prime while Bosh is still in the midst of his. The one complain people tend to have against Boozer is his injury-prone reputation, and that's something Bosh hasn't been. 

Tough call, but Chris Bosh is the better power forward...slightly. 

2009-2010 Stats

Chris Bosh:  24.0 ppg  10.8 rpg  2.4 apg 0.6 spg  1.0 bpg  52% FG    79% FT

Carlos Boozer:  19.5 ppg  11.2 rpg   3.2 apg   1.1 spg 0.5 bpg  56% FG  74% FT

Carlos Boozer Vs. Dirk Nowitzki

Dirk Nowitzki is easily the best foreign player to come to the NBA (excluding Tim Duncan). What he's accomplished over his heralded career is nothing short of spectacular. However, those accolades mean nothing when comparing Nowitzki, at this point in his career with Carlos Boozer. 

While both play the Power forward position for their respective teams, their playing styles differentiate completely. Boozer is a powerful back-to-the-basket low post monster while Nowitzki is a sweet shooting finesse big man.

It's difficult to compare the two due to their opposing styles of play but it's clear that Nowitzki is the superior offensive talent, as evident by his 25 point per game average last season. Nowitzki has an unlimited repertoire to his offensive game as he can hit the mid-range jumper better than most guards, shoot the three ball with ease, post up on the block occasionally and drive to the basket and finish.

Boozer may be the better low-post option but Nowitzki has the more complete offensive game. Defensively, Nowitzki isn't all that great but still tops Carlos Boozer.

The area where Boozer excels over Nowitzki is rebounding, as Boozer is consistently one of the league's top rebounders, whereas Nowitzki has trouble reaching double-digit rebounds every game like Boozer.

Believe it or not but Nowitzki has NEVER averaged double-digit rebounds in his career, while Carlos Boozer has already accomplished this feat 5 times. In terms of passing, I would say Boozer is a better passer as Nowitzki doesn't really look to feed the ball when he receives it.

Field-goal percentage goes to Boozer and it's easy to see why since he scores closer to the basket than Dirk. Free-throw percentage isn't even close as Dirk Nowitzki is one of the greatest free-throw shooters of all time. 

So while Nowitzki may have aged, he is still very much an elite talent in the NBA and only 3 years removed from his MVP season. So I'll say Dirk Nowitzki is still a superior talent than Carlos Boozer but the gap is closer than you think.  

2009-2010 Stats

Dirk Nowitzki :  25.0 ppg  7.7 rpg  2.7 apg   0.9 spg  1.0 bpg  48% FG 91% FT

Carlos Boozer: 19.5 ppg  11.2 rpg   3.2 apg   1.1 spg   0.5 bpg  56% FG 74% FT

Carlos Boozer Vs. Pau Gasol

Pau Gasol was already one of the top established big men when he played for the Memphis Grizzlies, but his trade to the Los Angeles Lakers brought him to NBA relevancy.

Fans can see why Gasol is easily one of the elite big men in the NBA. He's got a deadly low post game that contains hooks, spins, fakes. His mid-range jumper is also one of the better ones for a big man, as he can step outside and knock down the shot with consistency.

Passing wise, he's easily one of the top big men passers in the league and defensively is adept. 

Comparing the Lakers big man to Boozer bring about some interesting comparisons. Offensively, Gasol may be better but it's difficult to tell as he averaged less points than Boozer last year.

I'll say it's a draw since both are monsters down on the low block. In terms of rebounding, it's a really close call with both their averages off by just 0.1 rebounds, so I'll also say this one's a draw as well.

Passing-wise, Gasols win. Boozer is one of the better big man passers, but Gasol is THE best big man passer. Defensively, Gasol also wins as he's got a much higher block average and is actually an above-average defender in the paint.

Boozer wins Field-goal percentage but Gasol wins Free-throw percentage. Efficency-wise, Gasol was ranked 5th last year compared to Boozer, who was 8th. 

Just by looking at the statistics, it's clear that Gasol is the superior big man. While Carlos Boozer is definitely an All-Star talent and one of the top bigs in the league, he's not on Pau Gasol's level. 

2009-2010 Stats

Pau Gasol:  18.3 ppg  11.3 rpg  3.4 apg  0.6 spg   1.7 bpg  54% FG  79% FT

Carlos Boozer:  19.5 ppg 11.2 rpg  3.2 apg 1.1 spg 0.5 bpg  56% FG 74% FT

Carlos Boozer Vs. Dwight Howard

Dwight Howard is stated by many as the best center in the league. And for good reason, he's an absolute beast in the paint with his thunderous, rim-shaking dunks and volleyball like swats.

His offensive game isn't on the same level as his defensive game but it's still highly effective. Howard tends to back down his opponents until he can over-power them and proceeds to dunk it in their face.

He hasn't developed much of an offensive arsenal outside of an inconsistent hook shot, but at this point in his career, it isn't necessary due to his unworldly athleticism. Defensively, Howard is just brilliant. If his back-to-back "Defensive Player of The Year" awards don't say much, then his league leading 2.8 blocks per game should. 

Matching the 6'11" 265lb Howard with the undersized power forward Boozer seems a bit odd but nonetheless necessary. Offensively, I say this with no regret, Carlos Boozer is the better low post player who's got FAR more in his offensive repertoire than Howard at this point.

Rebounding wise, there aren't too many players better than Boozer, but Dwight Howard is one of the them as he lead the league for the third straight year in rebounding. In terms of passing, Carlos Boozer is easily better.

However, Defensively, Boozer isn't even in the same stratosphere as Dwight Howard. Howard isn't just the best big man defender, he's the best defender in the entire league, hands down. He alters other teams' offensive gameplans with his intimidating post-presence and wall-like defense. 

Carlos Boozer is a very, very good big man but when it comes to competing with the arguably the top big man in the league in Dwight Howard, Boozer doesn't even come close. 

2009-2010 Stats

Dwight Howard: 18.3 ppg 13.2 rpg  1.8 apg  0.9 spg  2.8 bpg  61% FG 59% FT

Carlos Boozer 19.5 ppg  11.2 rpg  3.2 apg  1.1 spg  0.5 bpg  56% FG  74% FT

So Where Exactly Does He Stack Up Then?

So where exactly does the Bulls newest starting PF belong among the elite big men of the league? My rankings say he's currently the 5th best big man in the entire NBA.

1. Dwight Howard

2. Pau Gasol

3. Dirk Nowitzki

4. Chris Bosh

5. Carlos Boozer

6. Amar'e Stoudemire

7. Tim Duncan

8. David Lee

9. Zach Randolph

10. Andrew Bogut

11. Kevin Garnett

Dwight Howard is obviously the top big man in the league with his unmatched strength, athleticism and dominating defense abilities.

Next is the Lakers elite big man Pau Gasol, who I would say is the most skilled big man in all of basketball. Dirk Nowitzki comes next with his unstoppable fade-aways and guard-like shooting abilites. Chris Bosh follows next with his complete offensive game and improving defensive abilities. 

In terms of the gap between Boozer and the four players I listed above him, I would say that Dwight and Pau are the clear top two  but then Boozer could very well become the 3rd or 4th big man this season with age ready to catch up to the 32 year Nowitzki.

Since Bosh has the role of 3rd best player on his team, who will inevitably put a damper on his production. Statistically, Boozer can compete with any big man in the NBA, but stats are aren't everything. Still, Boozer is easily a top tier power forward and second tier big man.

The Bulls signing of Carlos Boozer was in my eyes highly underrated as most of the league didn't realize that the Bulls got the 5th best or potentially, the 3rd big man in the entire NBA.

He will certainly improve the Bulls in a number of ways. Derrick Rose is still the Bulls go-to-guy, but you take Boozer off that team and they're right back to square one.