Carlos Boozer wasn’t the first player they wanted, but he also wasn’t a bad consolation prize for the Chicago Bulls.
But if the Bulls want to win a title or even reach the finals, then Boozer must start playing like someone who was a prized acquisition.
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Actually, it has been a while since he has played well — he’s scoring around 14 ppg since the All Star break — and he can’t just blame the turf toe he suffered in Game 5 of the first round vs. Indiana.
Before hurting his toe, Boozer averaged 12 points and 11.5 rebounds — hardly numbers worthy of a guy with a five-year, $75 million contract. In five games vs. Atlanta, Boozer is scoring 11.4 points a game and 8.6 rebounds. And his defense has been terrible in the postseason. He’s lucky that Taj Gibson has produced (7.4 points in 17.6 minutes a game).
Still, there’s little doubt on this: If the Bulls are going to advance through the playoffs, then Boozer must improve. And we’re not just talking about his health.
