Carlos Boozer: Why Playing Overseas Is a Terrible Idea for Chicago Bulls Forward

According to ESPN columnist Ric Bucher, Chicago Bulls forward Carlos Boozer plans to play overseas in the event of a lockout. This is an idea that other players, including New Jersey Nets guard Deron Williams, have floated out, but an idea that would be disastrous for Boozer. 

First and most importantly, Carlos is always injured! Last season, Boozer missed over 20 games for the fourth time in his nine-year career. He was also hindered during the Bulls' important playoff run, averaging almost five less points and eight less percent from the field. 

How can Boozer go overseas when the last time American fans saw him, he was hobbled. Boozer of all people should use this lockout as an opportunity to get truly healthy, and playing overseas would only add stress to his fragile body. 

Second, Boozer is not in good graces with anyone associated with the Bulls. Our last experiences with Boozer involved him coming up short on the biggest stage in the Eastern Conference Finals. Every fan's fear is that Boozer is getting old and that he's not going to be worth the massive contract he was signed to. If Boozer goes overseas, he will only jeopardize his place among Chicago Bulls fans.  

Finally, Boozer doesn't have anything to gain from this expedition except for money, which he has. If he plays well, it's because he's playing against inferior competition and because he's supposed to play well against them. If he doesn't play well, then it's a sign that he's not worth the contract. There's also a small chance that he sustains a major injury overseas. If this happens, the Chicago Bulls could likely void Boozer's contract since he played without their approval. 

Some players such as Derrick Rose and Kevin Durant should continue to play basketball during the lockout competitively. However, this is because Rose and Durant are young up-and-comers who could develop through different competition. Boozer is as developed as he's going to get, and only bad things could occur overseas for him.

While Carlos Boozer may think that he should go overseas to keep playing basketball, he should not do anything during the lockout but rest up so he can be ready to go when the NBA resumes for the Chicago Bulls. Anything else would be irresponsible.