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Utah Jazz forward, first big off the bench, and player in a contract year, Trevor Booker, will be missing tonight's game against the Boston Celtics. This is bad news for the Jazz who have depth problems already with Dante Exum and Alec Burks out. But it is even worse news for the Booker family because he is missing tonight's game due to a death in the family. Deseret News beat writer and Vine Hall of Famer Jody Genessy was first on this story and tweets:
Trevor Booker is not with the team today. He is attending his grandmother's funeral in South Carolina.
— Jody Genessy (@DJJazzyJody) February 29, 2016
Trevor Booker will rejoin the Jazz in Toronto after attending his grandmother's funeral.
— Jody Genessy (@DJJazzyJody) February 29, 2016
Booker is averaging 22.1 mpg this season, but was playing about half the game in December and January when the Jazz were treading water with Derrick Favors and Rudy Gobert out. His efforts will be missed, as he's been a 6 ppg / 6 rpg all season long. He's good for some nasty jams, nice hustle plays, and the occasional three pointer made this season.
In his stead we expect two things:
First, this means more playing time (in theory) for rookie Trey Lyles.
Second, this means Quin Snyder may feel like going small more often against Brad Stevens. Boston is also going to be without Kelly Olynyk and they have to go smaller than normal as well while he is out.
Jody also reports that he will be back with the team for the game against the Toronto Raptors. Personally this sucks. I know what it feels like because I lost one of my grandmothers around this time a few years back. I hope he and his family come together to celebrate a great woman and feel enriched by being a part of her family. And move forward, together, as a family.
The Jazz family, including us fans, are unified. Take as much time as you need. Family comes first.