NBA Trade Speculation: Would Chicago Bulls Be Better Off Dealing Carlos Boozer?
Even before the final buzzer in the Bulls-Heat series, grumblings about Carlos Boozer had begun among Bulls fans. Was he the right frontcourt addition? Should the Bulls have made a major push for Amar'e Stoudemire?
Now, after his less than spectacular playoff performance, many are asking should the Bulls part ways with Boozer?
I believe a case can be made for both arguments. Here are five benefits to moving him, as well as five reasons to hold on to him.
First Benefit in Keeping Carlos Boozer: Injury Pass
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Boozer was hurt for much of this season and playoffs. Even with the injuries, he still put up 17.5 points per game and 9.6 rebounds per contest in the regular season.
In the postseason that did dip to a less effective 12.6 points per game and 9.7 rebounds per game. It is reasonable to contend that the decline in numbers was due to the torn ligaments in his toe.
The Bulls could give their current core another shot, hopefully with a healthy Boozer in 2011-2012.
Second Benefit in Keeping Carlos Boozer: Rebounding
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Boozer is the Bulls best defensive rebounder. The defensive end is where Boozer catches the majority of his criticism.
Though, when it comes to limiting a team to one shot, that comes from cleaning the glass on the defensive end.
Boozer averaged 7.2 defensive rebounds per game in the postseason. This was very close to the 7.4 defensive boards he snagged in the regular season.
Rebounding is the one constant with Boozer, (well second constant if you count all that damn yelling) this of course, is a valuable commodity.
Third Benefit in Keeping Carlos Boozer: Attitude
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Boozer took his benching as well or better than any $15 million a year player I've ever seen, though he was visibly displeased as he walked to the bench when he wasn't being pulled for a rest.
Moments later, you could see him cheering on his teammates from the sidelines.
Often times he'd be cheering for his replacement on the floor. This is the type of attitude the Bulls have attempted to build their team with.
Boozer is a competitor, but he put his own feelings aside for the betterment of the team. He never once complained about minutes or substitution patterns, that is commendable.
Fourth Benefit in Keeping Carlos Boozer: Rapport with Derrick Rose
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Carlos showed signs that he and Derrick Rose were creating some chemistry. For as good as Rose is, he is still learning the point guard position.
He is still learning how to get his teammates the ball in the set situation for them to succeed.
This takes time and repetition. Despite the great regular season and all the accolades, the Bulls were not ready to win this year.
Much of the contributors need to mature and gel as a unit first. They don't have the talent that Miami has to overcome a lack of chemistry.
Another year of Rose and Boozer together could render much better results.
Fifth Benefit in Keeping Carlos Boozer: Seeing Your Investment Through
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The Bulls organization does not have the greatest reputation among the players in the league. Much of this stems from the break up of the Jordan teams in what many regard as a premature dis-assembly.
It seems the Bulls have spent the better part of the last 15 years trying to repair their image amongst the players.
Every major free-agent summer seems to leave the Bulls out in the cold. Instead of landing Tracy McGrady, Grant Hill, Tim Duncan or The Heats' Big 3, the Bulls end up settling for the likes of Ron Mercer, Brad Miller, Eddie Robinson, Carlos Boozer, Kyle Korver and Ronnie Brewer.
Boozer can't be too high on his stay in Chicago at this point. If he is dealt the following summer after an injury plagued season, this is certain to leave a nasty taste in his mouth.
The Bulls can add him to a growing list of players that will bad-mouth the organization at every opportunity.
Now, let's flip the script to the pros of moving Boozer....
First Benefit in Moving Carlos Boozer: Style Mismatch
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Boozer is not a Tom Thibodeau-style player. Boozer has never been a good defender, this should not have been news to fans, much less anyone in the Bulls front office or on their coaching staff.
It seemed unfair to put so much pressure on him to change his style of play this late in his career. The team signed him to a mega free-agent deal based on his resume.
This resume includes nearly 20 points and 10 rebounds per game, limited shot blocking, decent field-goal percentage and overall bad defense.
This is not going to change and Thibodeaus' philosophy isn't going to change either. You have to wonder whether Thibodeau was ever in favor of bringing Boozer in to begin with.
Second Benefit in Moving Carlos Boozer: He Still Has Trade Value
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Even with the disappointing performance in the postseason, Boozer still has value. Everything is magnified in the playoffs.
There are teams that can use a guy that you can pencil in 10 rebounds and at least 15 or 16 points per game.
Every team doesn't hold the same defensive principles as the Bulls. Imagine Boozer in New Jersey playing high-low with Brook Lopez and reunited with Deron Williams.
This would be a poor defensive front line, but offensively, they would be formidable.
Boozer would be playing with an experienced point guard that knows his game. This is just one example; there are other teams who could offer more along the lines of what the Bulls covet most.
Third Benefit In Moving Carlos Boozer: Contract Flexibility
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Boozer has a big deal with four years remaining. That is a lot of money tied into a 29-year-old power forward with low level athleticism and injury problems.
Moving his contract for a contract with a similar price tag but with less years remaining is one thing. Another option is to deal him for a younger more athletic player.
This offers a lot of flexibility in the future for the Bulls.
Boozer is not likely to look better in a Bulls uniform in 2013-2014 than he did this year.
Fourth Benefit In Moving Carlos Boozer: Need Athletes On The Front Line
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Boozer is not a good athlete, so even with more attention on the defensive end, he would still be limited there. Offensively, his lack of height and athleticism causes him to get his shot blocked 10 percent of the time (82games.com).
Again, this is nothing new, he had his shot rejected nine percent of the time last year in Utah. When facing the teams that look to be perennial contenders in the Eastern Conference, the Bulls will need athletes.
Fifth Benefit in Moving Carlos Boozer: Pursuing Dwight Howard
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If the Bulls are to have any chance at prying Howard away from Orlando, it is likely going to include Boozers' contract in the deal. One reason is because it is comparable in amount.
Another reason is the Magic aren't going to want to fall completely off the radar competitively.
Boozer is still a low post threat, though he isn't nearly what Howard is, coupling him with Noah, possibly Deng and picks could soften the blow of losing Superman
For the Bulls, you would be pairing the two best young NBA stars, this side of Kevin Durant, for the next five to seven years. Rose and Howard together makes the Bulls not only a championship contender but with the right role players, a possible dynasty.
My Conclusion....
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It will be difficult for the Bull to move Carlos Boozer. He was brought in to bring a low post scoring threat. If you move him, that skill set must be replaced.
Who could you possibly acquire, through a trade or free agency that will fill that need.
Aside from Dwight Howard, I don't know of another frontcourt player that would represent a definite upgrade from Boozer. Make no mistake, if the Bulls move Boozer, it will add even more pressure to win now, with their new acquisition.
Either that or face the questions from the media and fan base as to why the team is moving backwards.
If the deal is not to acquire Howard, the Bulls are better off moving less significant pieces to acquire an upgrade at the 2-guard than they are moving Boozer. After all, the core of Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen and Horace Grant didn't win a championship until their fourth year together.
I don't think its ridiculous to add a 2-guard and see what the team can accomplish with a year of experience and their biggest weakness addressed.
