Carlos Boozer channels his inner Manny Ramirez
by clarkpojo on Dec 18, 2008 11:30 AM MST
18 comments
"Gas prices are going down and so am I. No, wait. I mean, no matter what, I'm going to get a raise, regardless."
via hoopedia.nba.com
There are some things you don't say in public. Diarrhea is one word. Or when there is a girl at a party and she obviously hasn't looked in the mirror and noticed that she has a moustache before going to the party, you don't say, "hey everyone, Angela needs to shave her moustache." It's impolite and can scar Angela for life. And you don't tell your current team, 27 games into the season, that you are opting out of your contract at the end of the season, like Carlos Boozer did. Especially when you have been saying all season that you will worry about that situation later and just focus on basketball. It is rude and impolite. Even if it is true. You don't need to mention it. Angela can still have a good time at the party if you just keep your thoughts to yourself.
But Boozer's Ramirez-like statement about getting "a raise" is only going to add fuel to the fire of many Jazz fans who feel that the Jazz would be better off without their leading scorer and rebounder. I am not a Boozer enthusiast, per se, but prior to the season I thought the idea of trading him was ludicrous and that he had to figure into the Jazz's long-term plans if they were going to compete for championships. But with Boozer's production being game analysis during 3rd quarters, and more importantly, with the increasing production of one Paul "Beastman" Millsap, I believe trading Boozer is not only ludicrous but plausible. And the likelihood of Boozer figuring into Utah's long-term plans is about as probable as Craig Bolerjack forgetting to say, "buckle up" during a telecast. But whatever turns this soap opera-roller coaster takes in the next 7 months, really there are only 3 options for the Jazz when dealing with Carlos Boozer.
1. They re-sign him to a contract after he opts out. I think the chances of this happening are about 20% right now. Even if Boozer genuinely wanted to stay with the Jazz, it would take a monster year from Carlos Boozer when he returns, to prove to the Jazz that they need him. And I am talking MVP-like performance and appearance in at least the Conference Finals-monster year. Because if the Jazz re-sign Boozer, it is going to be for a max deal or close to it and they would be forced to rid themselves of key players like Andrei Kirilenko, Mehmet Okur, Kyle Korver or Paul Millsap. Because unless Larry H. decides that going over the luxury tax is a-okay afterall, then the Jazz can't afford the players they have while adding Boozer.
2. The Jazz trade Carlos Boozer. Whether it is before February rolls around, or in a sign and trade deal at the end of the season, it is fathomable that the Jazz could trade Boozer. But for a sign and trade deal to work, the right deal would have to present itself, since it wouldn't really fix the luxury tax issue mentioned above. But you can bet Jazz fans everywhere are dreaming of great trades to be made all over the NBA involving Boozer, with only the top tiered talent being out of the question. Trading him midseason would give the Jazz front-office a chance to get the pieces they want from a deal, but teams will also be very wary of giving up anything good for Boozer, since he can just opt out and leave that team at the end of the season. A sign and trade deal might be necessary if Boozer wants to go to a team without cap-space and if the Jazz feel they need to get something while losing Boozer. Personally, if Boozer is traded, I would love to see us get an energy-type power forward like Udonis Haslem, Jason Maxiell, or David Lee along with a shot blocker or perimeter defender/ 3 point shooter. I would think the Pistons would consider giving up Jason Maxiell and Tashaun Prince for Boozer, if they thought they could re-sign him to a max deal after the season was over. But it will be incredibly difficult to trade Boozer now that teams know he will opt out, because a team would only trade for him if they thought he would want to play there and why wouldn't they just wait until he is a free agent and avoid the risk? Unless a team feels Boozer will help them greatly this season and he will stick around, no one would trade for him.
3. The Jazz let Boozer walk and save money on their car insurance by switching to Geico. I mean, by signing Millsap. This option seems the most likely to me. I believe that the Jazz may need to pay $8-10 million/ year to keep Millsap's services, but their aren't many Jazz fans today who wouldn't take Millsap at that price over Boozer at $15 milion/year given the choice. And the Jazz could then use the money they saved on Millsap in order to sign a back up power forward for the MLE or a little more, if they can maneuver some contracts (I'm staring straight at you Mr. Harpring). Here is a list of some possible 2009 free agents that fit this bill:
David Lee-Knicks, Charlie Villanueva-Bucks, Channing Frye-Nets, Nenad Krstic-Russia, Leon Powe-Celtics, Hakim Warrick-Grizzlies, Ike Diogu-Blazers, Glen Davis-Celtics, Chris Wilcox-Thunder, Drew Gooden-Bulls, Brandon Bass-Mavericks, or Joe Smith-Thunder. I am partial to stealing a Millsap type player to back up Paul next season, like Brandon Bass or Leon Powe.
So chime in. What do you think will/should happen? I know most of you prefer Millsap over Boozer at this point, but what should we do with Boozer?
[Note by Basketball John, 12/18/08 11:25 AM MST ]: Other reactions,
All comments are the opinion of the commenter and not necessarily that of SLC Dunk or SB Nation.
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let him walk.
i can’t stomach the idea of giving boozer MORE money. for all the games he’s played in a jazz uniform, he must be earning something like shaq-level $$ on a per-game basis.
trading him means taking on someone else’s salary. who in the league would we want to trade for that is worth 15 mill/year AND is available? let’s be realistic about this and not make a trade just for the sake of making a trade.
p.s. maxiell = sap lite.
by moni on Dec 18, 2008 1:36 AM MST reply actions 0 recs
I know Maxiell is Millsap lite.
That is why I think he would be awesome coming off the bench behind Millsap. I just want someone who will outeffort everyone else on the floor, because in the Jazz system, players like that will be productive.
The more you try to erase me, the more that I appear.
by clarkpojo on Dec 18, 2008 9:42 AM MST up reply actions 0 recs
I picked trade him
but only if you can get someone that’ll help now (expiring contract for expiring contract?).
Truthfully though, I don’t see KOC trading him. He’ll probably just walk.
by UtesFan89 on Dec 18, 2008 6:31 AM MST reply actions 0 recs
Arrogant piece of sh**
“I’m opting out. No matter what, I’m going to get a raise regardless,” Boozer said. “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.”
Isn’t this a contradictory statement?
Also, my favorite part is “… I’m going to get a raise regardless”
Really!!? You shouldn’t!
He has a lot of arrogance to say that and then to think the Jazz now know his strategy and won’t trade him.
He’s not a good poker player ‘cause now he has shown them his hand and the Jazz have plenty of time to strategize. And you can bet O’Connor’s phone is ringing off the hook.
I personally would keep him for the rest of the season so you can let him walk and free up money for Millsap. Obviously, Millsap is the PF of the future for the Jazz. If the Jazz trade Booz then they have tied up Boozer’s money on someone else and no money has been freed up for Millsap. Unless you can get a few guys with expiring contracts.
Well, actually the Jazz have a full roster, so if they trade for more than one person they have to let someone go …hmmm….. interesting.
by P_Dizzle on Dec 18, 2008 8:44 AM MST reply actions 0 recs
The best part is he’s getting a raise anyway. The way the CBA is structured players who sign with a new team (as Boozer did in 2004) can receive up to a 8% raise each season, based on the first year salary. If he signs a new contract with the Jazz he can receive up to a 10.5% raise each year. Personally, I would kill for any raise this year, let alone an 8% raise.
by kris247 on Dec 18, 2008 10:17 AM MST up reply actions 0 recs
"Getting a raise"
As if he works for a living.
Buckle up!
by MTN on Dec 18, 2008 9:17 AM MST reply actions 0 recs
Boozer
Since signing with the Jazz Boozer has a 70.7% attendance record and has billed the Jazz $13,934,953.07 in “sick” days. $14 mill over 4 1/2 years would have bought us someone serviceable at the 2 or 5 spot.
Don’t know how it would fly with the rest of you at your employment, but I don’t think I will stay employed too long if that was my work attendance and my bill.
by P_Dizzle on Dec 18, 2008 9:28 AM MST reply actions 1 recs
In fairness,
It’s more like workman’s comp than a sick day.
Buckle up!
by MTN on Dec 18, 2008 9:55 AM MST up reply actions 0 recs
it's tough
But Boozer’s probably gone by next year. It’s such a bad move too, because there’s always the Williams and Sloan effect to consider. Sloan has the ability to make players severely overachieve. Think Harpring, Eisley, even Ostertag. Going elsewhere, they often fail. Plus, Williams is an all-elite point and that’s what’s needed to make a big man really fly. If Boozer goes somewhere without that gifted passer, his production might drop. Just look what’s happening to the Matrix this season. It’s sad really. Nash made both Marion and now Shaq overachieve.
But hey, he is going to get money and that’s a lot of what makes this business. I don’t fault him, but he’s probably not going out with a ring. I do like Utah’s prospects for the future. Millsap is here, always injury free and still growing up. We’ll have some money freed up for a free agent or two and we’ll have New York’s top pick in 2010, and by that time, AK-47’s huge contract will be up (although I hope we resign him for a cut). There’s a LOT to be happy about in Jazzland. We may just have to wait a couple of years. Of course, they could still win it all this year…. but DAMN! Everyone needs to get freaking healthy!
by mcjazzman32 on Dec 18, 2008 10:53 AM MST reply actions 0 recs
Boozer to the Clips
For Camby and cap filler (Paul Davis?). It gets LAC under the cap for next season (assuming Boozer walks). And we, as Jazz fans, get some satisfaction in knowing Boozer is being exiled to one of the worst teams in the league.
I know teams are usually reluctant to trade players within conference, but in this case we don’t have to worry. We all know Boozer will come down with some sort of injury, and won’t be able to suit up against the Jazz in April.
by kris247 on Dec 18, 2008 11:38 AM MST reply actions 0 recs
I voted let him walk...
I’m all aboard the Paul Millsap lifetime contract bandwagon.
Grammar is not a time of waste
by Patrick517 on Dec 18, 2008 4:59 PM MST reply actions 0 recs
LHM's view
lhm just said on kfan that boozer’s move as “one of the top ten stupidest things” he’s ever heard an nba player say and that boozer told koc that he screwed up but “that doesn’t fix it”
while larry was saying that gail told him to shut up lol
and boozer thought he was having a conversation with chris sheridan (espn) rather than it being a report
by moni on Dec 18, 2008 5:13 PM MST reply actions 0 recs
He shouldn't be apologizing to KOC
But to fans.
Buckle up!
by MTN on Dec 19, 2008 8:37 AM MST up reply actions 0 recs
Orrrrr......
LHM could pay the cap tax…. Seriously, what difference would that make to him? And it sends a message to D-Will, Memo, AK, Booze, and everybody else: “You have a mandate to win a damn championship. I’ve done my part, now you go out and bust your arses EVERY night.”
Buckle up!
by MTN on Dec 19, 2008 12:09 PM MST reply actions 0 recs
I'm actually wondering
if LHM will break the tax barrier this one time, as a sort of “last hurrah” before he dies. You can’t tell me he isn’t thinking about that. Maybe he shells out one last time to give the team one last chance to get a ring before he passes.
Uh, do you think you could draw me like a ninja?
by Shums on Dec 19, 2008 12:18 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs
they should be busting their humps
every day. since they haven’t shown the ability to do so on a consistent basis, why would lhm pay the luxury tax? if the luxury tax had to come out of the players’ own pockets, that might give them the motivation. anyway, it’s lhm’s money, so only he has the right to decide how to spend it (also, let’s not forget that if you pay the tax, you don’t get a cut of other teams’ luxury tax)
by moni on Dec 19, 2008 4:37 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs
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