TrueHoop reader Noah e-mails: "Is it me, or could Chris Kaman actually be more useful as a twelfth...

TrueHoop reader Noah e-mails: "Is it me, or could Chris Kaman actually be more useful as a twelfth man than Carlos Boozer? If things go as expected, wouldn't you rather have Kaman cheering from the sidelines than Boozer? Wouldn't he be a more eager practice player? Wouldn't it make the Utah Jazz and the Clippers happier? Then, if someone does get hurt, it's not like Team USA is going to want Boozer to come in and score 25 points. If I'm not mistaken, counting on Boozer's offense in the Olympics would mean you're going to lose anyway. So for me, personally, in a situation where Bosh or Howard got hurt, I'd want somebody who can guard the opposing bigs, be a real center, and go out there and play like there was no tomorrow. Somebody who averaged more rebounds and more blocks last season. Call me crazy, but I just realized the American guy I want as Team USA's twelfth man is currently playing for Germany." I can see that point. Although, to be honest, I believe in Boozer on this team, because while he is a star, he's also just a first-class bucket-getter under any circumstances, which means he has a good chance to produce even when the play is not run for him. Guys like that stave off scoring droughts.

ESPN - TrueHoop By Henry Abbott

over 3 years ago Basketball John 2 comments 0 recs |

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Unless

it’s the playoffs.

The Utah Jazz. The Jazz... duh.
The best NBA team in Utah... no doubts about it!
Playing For Pride. Pirates, Utes, Panthers, and more...
Because, in the end, only one team can "win it all".

by UtesFan89 on Aug 13, 2008 12:56 PM MDT reply actions

I can see some points to his case. However, the biggest thing that Team USA needs is rebounders and someone who can play a half-court tempo. Every time I watch Team USA I think my ol’ high school coach would have a heart attack screaming at the tv. No one boxes out. They all stand around and watch the ball and then try and outjump the other team.

When we beat Angola we got outrebounded by them. That is the one thing Boozer adds to the team. They need everyone to play their role. They need Redd to shoot open 3’s, not put the ball on the floor. They need Bosh, Boozer, Howard and Prince to do the dirty work and get the rebounds. They need Kidd, Paul, and Williams to control the tempo and dish the ball. When Melo is leading the team or is one of the top rebounders something is up.

So for that reason alone I keep Boozer, I know he isn’t getting any burn but you need his nose for the ball. Kaman is a little more sporadic and less mobile (I can’t believe I just said Boozer is more mobile than someone).

by P_Dizzle on Aug 14, 2008 8:45 AM MDT reply actions