Amare and Boozer- a Tale Of Two Star Forwards

Amare Stoudemire and Carlos Boozer both play the power forward position for the Phoenix Suns and Utah Jazz respectively.

Each is rather good at playing said position. Each would be mentioned in the top five for their position in this league.

Each play on teams that have been in that elite conversation for the past few years. Phoenix was deadly for four years and always regarded as a contender. Utah has only been beaten in the playoffs by the eventual Western Conference champion for the past two seasons.

Each play on a team that has not been playing like those previous teams so far this season. Phoenix has swapped styles coaches and two defensive players for one offensive player and generally seem unhappy.

Utah has been swamped with various injuries to their main guys and has slipped down to seventh in the West, and has finally lost their top division spot to Denver and Portland.

And each has made comments lately that aren't exactly helping their teams out right now.

Let me explain something first off, I'm not 'having a go' at these two players. They are two of my favourites in the league and their talent is more than undeniable.

Amare burst out of the gate this season, now being returned to his natural power forward position thanks to Shaquille O'Neal. He led the league in scoring at one point and although having slowed down since then is still averaging 22 points a game.
Undoubtedly he is a huge threat on the offensive end, having perfected a midrange game to go along with his highlight dunks

Boozer has missed 15 games so far this season due to his injured quadriceps, but before this injury the forward was still averaging 20 points a game and over 11 boards a game. He had to shoulder much more than last year early in this season due to the absence of Deron Williams.

Ok.

We've established that these two are premier power forwards in the NBA. But still, that doesn't make every comment they make a smart comment.

A few weeks ago, obviously frustrated with his team, Amare began to make comments about 'being the man' on the team and complaining about his amount of touches.

"You've got LeBron James who's a featured guy. You've got Dwyane Wade. He's a featured guy. Dwight Howard? They go to him. Chris Bosh? They go to him. Bottom line: I want to be that guy. I want to show the league and the world that I feel like my game has improved to that level," Amare said.

When everyone began talking about a certain offseason around two years away, it was quickly noticed that Amare was one of those guys not playing in Cleveland that would also be a free agent, and he didn't exactly quell any questions of him going elsewhere.

I can understand why he's frustrated. I think everyone on Phoenix is. After years of being in the top five teams in the league, of being the most exciting team of having an offense where he simply has to jump towards the ring and let Steve Nash do his job in order to score, Phoenix have looked horribly unhappy at times.

But these talks of 'being the man' don't help matters in any way.

Instead of worrying who is the man, or who's team it is, Amare should just be happy he is playing alongside two sure-fire Hall of Famers, and try to take advantage of that.

If he wants the Suns to see him as a leader, then he should be acting like one by playing to win and not griping about it.

Again, I understand Amare's frustration, Nash has voiced it too, and Boris Diaw's parting words were not exactly complimentary. But they aren't helping, and a player has talented as Amare can help in so many ways.

Boozer, years ago, became infamous for his 'betrayal' of Cleveland.

For those who don't remember, Boozer actually played alongside LeBron James during the King's rookie year, but at the end of that season Carlos took an offer from the Utah Jazz that offered him a substantial amount more money than Cleveland were prepared to.

After seeing the kind of player Boozer could be in Utah, Cleveland fans became very angry after imagining what LeBron would look like with an All-Star forward. But I've never really understood why Carlos has been so ridiculed for this move.

At the time, Cleveland were an awful team that weren't going anywhere fast, he wanted to be paid more money (who wouldn't?) and it was clear that the Cavs were LeBron's team and they were many rumours about trades all season.

But let's think about the present again.

It is nearing the end of Carlos's contract, and there has been much trade talk or rumours of him being resigned elsewhere, depending on whether he opts out of his final year.

That is no longer a question though: "I'm opting out. No matter what, I'm going to get a raise regardless," Boozer told ESPN.com. "I am going to opt out, I don't see why I wouldn't, I think it's a very good business decision for me and my family, but I'd also like to see what happens with the Jazz and stay here."

If Boozer wants to test free agent markets, then fair enough. Of course it's a good business decision, it would be great for him and his family to have more money (Although I do always prefer the guys who stick with their teams, like Tim Duncan), but it's not that I have a problem with.

It is the commenting about it a quarter of the way through the season that bothers me. Carlos should be more concerned with his rehab and bringing his team back to the heights that they were this season.

With Paul Milsap playing so well in Boozer's place, making comments doesn't exactly make him a fan favourite, or even a team favourite... when Boozer comes back are they going to waste minutes with someone who may be bolting soon or give them to the younger promising guy? Especially if the season is already lost.

Carlos shouldn't be so quick to walk away from a good situation in Salt Lake City

Both are quality players.

Both have made comments that aren't good comments to make right now.

They need to just play, and worry about worrying games.

Do you feel betrayed by your All-Star power forward? Do you think they should be looking for recognition or more money?

Either way, money and recognition, should come second to winning.