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Big Al, da Banger or Candyass Booza, da Looza?

bigmike said:
This might sound dumb, but my biggest issue with Booz is that I just didn't believe in the guy.

I think he's a mercenary. A very talented player, but a mercenary. He's all about getting his. At Duke, Coach K had to sit him down twice in the 2001 season (when they won the championship) to get him to focus on what the team was working on rather than improving his draft stock for his professional career. Then, we all know what happened in Cleveland. In Utah, he certainly had his boneheaded moments...saying dumb things in the media, flirting with other potential suitors for him via trade or free agency, etc.

I guess what all these things mean to me is that Boozer has never really demonstrated any genuine sort of attachment to the places that he's played in. By all accounts he's a good teammate, a very engaging guy with the media and organization, etc...but with his antics and demeanor, he really seems to wear out his welcome everywhere he goes. The SLTrib said it best, he's a very "polarizing" figure (or was it the D-News?)

There are lot of guys around the league whose commitment and dedication you simply don't question, and some you do. Kobe? I don't question that he's a little *****, and probably not a great teammate, but he's a killer on the court, the likes of which I've never seen before. I 100% believe in that guy. Durant? 100% believe in him, I think he's the best thing to happen in the NBA in longer than I can remember. Uber-talented, and an incredibly great kid. Nash? Check. DWill? Check. A little surly, whatever, but a stone-cold competitor.

I think the thing that irked me most about Booz was I got the impression that losing really didn't faze him all that much. I don't doubt that he wants to win a championship, and would work hard for it...who wouldn't? But to hear his comments about free agency and what not that he's made SO SOON after the Jazz losing in the playoffs, I really go the sense that losing didn't eat away at him, like it would most true competitors.

So just on that alone, I'm glad Boozer isn't a Jazzman anymore. I never really liked him. As far as a talent/fit standpoint, I think Jefferson when healthy is AT LEAST an equal talent, if not superior. Plus, his true power presence/ability to play the 5 is a much better complement to what our other big men bring. Given the choice straight up between Al and Boozer, I'll take Al any day of the week and twice on Sunday.
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Well said bigmike. I think of Al Jefferson as the anti-Boozer in almost every way.
 
I honestly think Boozer's numbers are going to take a hit in Chicago. Rose is a stud to be sure, but he seems like more of a scoring guard than a distributor. Boozer flourished in a system that made him the number 1 option on the offense every night. I don't see that happening with the Bulls. He'll still get his rebounds, but i expect his PPG to drop to the 15-16 range.
 
Great post bigmike. We all felt the same things.

Boozer was fool's gold -- he looks like a bruiser inside with his muscles and tats, but he's a tease. So many times I'd find myself furrowing my brow and looking cockeyed at the screen when he'd yet again force a fallaway jumper. Actually, it didn't take long to see how soft this Broozer was. I've been a hater for so long and I am so glad he's gone.

And talk about refreshing hearing Big Al today! This is my team so I really want to like the players - Boozer and Fisher made that very difficult. Jefferson's offensive game isn't considered as "polished" as Boozer's because he only goes inside. HE'S A POWER FORWARD!! Not a fallaway forward.

Not only do we get a guy who speaks without filters and is genuine and concerned about pleasing others, but he also will finally put the POWER in power forward and get NASTY!!
 
I hate Boozer so the Bulls actually take a hit.

I love Noah. Love Brewer. Korver meh. ... but my hate for Boozer overwhelms my love. Poor me.
 
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