Return of Boozer Hindering Jazz?

Posted by Andy Larsen on April 14, 2009

It seems to be the feeling of many fans that Carlos Boozer’s return has hurt the Jazz in some way. Let’s evaluate that claim using a number of different methods to see how Carlos and the Jazz have done before and after his return.

Boozer’s stat line before and after:

	G	Min	FGM	FGA	Pct	FTM	FTA	Pct	OR	DR	Tot	Ast	TO	Stl	Blk	PF	PPG
Pre Injury	12	33:47	8.3	14.8	55.9	4.0	5.5	72.7	3.6	8.1	11.7	2.7	2.0	0.9	0.3	3.3	20.5
Post Return	23	31:23	6.0	13.4	45.0	1.7	2.6	65.0	2.7	7.0	9.7	1.9	2.3	1.2	0.1	3.6	13.8

A couple of interesting things going on here: He averages a couple fewer minutes, which you’d expect, and therefore shoots about 1 less shot per game. Those shots, though, are less likely to go in than before, more than 10 percent. Furthermore, Boozer gets to the free throw line less than half of the time he used to, and when he is there, makes fewer. He rebounds less, makes fewer assists, and commits more turnovers and more fouls. He is marginally better at stealing the ball.

All in all, this is a pretty terrible drop off. The one thing I’d point out: Deron Williams had the same kind of drop off after his return. Deron, too, scored less, assisted less, turned the ball over more, and shot lower percentages during the 20 or so games following his return. Just because a player performs worse than his previous averages does not mean he hurts his team. Especially in this case: Deron’s return took away Ronnie Price’s minutes. Boozer’s return took away Jarron Collins’ minutes.

How about team record?

The Jazz, since Boozer’s return, are 15-10, for a .625 winning percentage. Before that, the Jazz were 34-22, for a winning percentage of .607. These are really small differences, by the way, the difference between those two winning percentages for an entire season is 1.5 games.

How about the impact on the Jazz defense? Well, there is none. The Jazz were giving up 100.8 PPG before Boozer’s return, and have given up 100.8 PPG after.

Despite Boozer’s statistical downfall, the overall team has been helped by his offensive presence, scoring 103.4 PPG for the season, compared to just 102.6 before Boozer’s return.

So why the Boozer hate? The contract, of course. Boozer gets paid to be more than ever-so-slightly above average, and since his return, that’s exactly what he’s been. On the other side of the coin, he’s been worth more than his contract the two seasons before this one.

Still, the particular venom towards Boozer is probably uncalled for. He hasn’t hurt the team, and has slightly improved it, even as he works his way back from injury and personal problems. There’s a lot to be optimistic about Boozer, and nothing to indicate he can’t quickly become the All-Star he was.

Rate this post

(No Ratings Yet)

Loading ...

| Tweet This | Share on Facebook | Join the discussion in our Forums

No Related Post

15 Comments

DeronWIlliams4President on April 14, 2009 said:

It’s not always all about the stats though. He reduced the effectiveness of Millsap (which you won’t see on Boozer’s stat sheet). He seems to have a careless attitude about attacking the basket (which you won’t see on the stat sheet) and most of all He messed with the team chemistry! (which, surprise surprise, you won’t see on the box score). Until Boozer proves to me he deserves his contract I will continue to resent his style of basketball. But with all that being said, I hope and I pray that he proves me wrong. Sticking my tail between my legs would be a more then worthy trade to see Boozer produce the numbers he’s paid, to.

Andrew on April 14, 2009 said:

well put Deron4prez , he should have no problem putting as much effort on defense and offense as millsap poor millsap makes almost the league minimum and its irrelevant when you watch him on the court cause i doubt boozer is willing to take less money when hes playing poorly if he feels he deserves more when playing well

Boondock Saint on April 14, 2009 said:

I just want some defense and for him to hold onto the ball is that TOO much to ask?!

Dallan on April 14, 2009 said:

All 3 of these comments i agree with. Even though the numbers might not be much different you can tell when he just stands there and then when he gets the ball drops it or holds it out so someone can grab it. Deron4Prez said it amazingly! The problems he has are not on the stat sheet!

c-cain on April 14, 2009 said:

All of you are absolutely right. I have been out of the loop for a while, overseas. What I have seen is that Boozer has just disrupted every bit of rythm the Jazz had going for them. Their “strut” seems to not be so confident. Is it true that he was talking about being traded when he was hurt?I heard this but wasn’t sure if it was true. If that’s the case straight up trade Carlos Boozer to Toronto, for Bosh.

Lindsey on April 14, 2009 said:

Deron’s stats might have dropped a little when he returned, but he also gives something Boozer doesn’t: effort.

Jessica on April 14, 2009 said:

I get so annoyed when I hear comments like Andy Larsen just made! It’s not all about numbers. I agree with everyone from DeronWilliams4President down to Lindsey. Boozer is one of the most laziest basketball players out there. I have not been satisfied with Boozer from day 1. He honestly thinks he deserves to get paid more than $12 million dollars. He has not earned it. I see more determination from Millsap, Harpring, Korver, Miles and Brewer. They are aggressive defensively and offensively. Boozer jogs down the court and everyone else runs down or sprints down. Boozer just looks at the ball and hopes that one of his team mates will help him out by getting to the ball first. If he is afraid to get down and aggressive he needs to leave Utah! We don’t need him. I just wished Coach Sloan could see what the rest of the NBA sees.

Armin on April 15, 2009 said:

read the last paragraph again as it says he has improved the team slightly and that is the problem he is suppose to be the other superstar on this team and his return should of boosted all the team stat way up and it did not we’re getting the same performance we get from the bench only slightly better so why is he even starting

c-cain on April 15, 2009 said:

Until we get a big man that isn’t so timid on defense, and actually knows what it means to hustle and play tough on both ends of the floor, we are never going to truely contend with all of these power house western conference teams. Don’t get me wrong, I know that we are capble of beating anyone in the NBA, when we are firing on all cylinders. Unfortunatley, with Boozer in the lineup, we’re not going to fire on all cylinders too often!

Mal on April 15, 2009 said:

I heard some great gossip. Friend of a friend of a friend sort of thing so take it for what its worth. But apparently, Deron got mad at Boozer for being soft during halftime or after a game, and now its pretty much out in the open that no one in the locker room likes Booze. I sure hope we don’t end up stuck with the slug.

Eddie Rodriguez on April 15, 2009 said:

Well that’s nice of you trying to DEFEND boozer. At least some one cares. HA! Statistically I can see why you would do that. I’m stats guy myself, however I aint no doctor. My stance on the whole Boozer hate is similar to the hate A-ROD receives from YANKEES fans during slumps and bad performances. Boozer is without doubt an all-star, but his return has generated lack of team chemistry and little production, THAT we already know. The performance of BOOZER’s bad production on and off the court has definitely plagued the JAZZ; there is no answer on why the JAZZ have collapse, according to post game interviews with coach Sloan and Jazz players, but in the view of public opinion we point and target BOOZER. Mentally and Statistically If Boozer is 100 % the JAZZ have chance to win. And that my friend is why we hate, we know his potential, know his talent but know his history. Were FED up and want success!!!

Nonetheless I like BOOZER and respect him, and I do hate, when he’s doing bad. But cheer loud, when he’s doing good. I’m your typical JAZZ fan.

Go JAZZ!!!!!!!! Beat L.A

dubessa on April 15, 2009 said:

I agree Boozer’s return has affected the team as a whole.
They’re not running the plays they were when he was gone.
And now, it seems, Brewer doesn’t want to pass the ball
anymore. There doesn’t seem to be the teamwork like before.
I like Harpring starting, tho!

Shannon in Sacramento on April 16, 2009 said:

I agree with almost everyone’s comments. Basically, Boozer is billed as our second all star to compliment with D-Williams, but he rarely lives up to the price of his contract and his “all star” status. I love stats and appreciate them; however, Boozer, more often than not, goes out on the floor and almost acts lost, puts no effort in, and takes really rushed jump shots instead of going into the paint. Not only that, it’s not just points that count. Look at some of the great defenders out there, they don’t always score the most points. Case in point, Bruce Bowen. On an oustanding night, he scores maybe 10, but he defends like no other and really gets into opponents’ heads. Not only that, he defends with his feet. How many times have we witnessed Boozer defending with his hands! AK does this too. First rule of defense, defend with feet and if you are going to foul, let your opponent know for sure you fouled them and let them know there is a price to pay to go into the paint. I want to like Boozer but he has frustrated me one to many times, and then the comments that he wants to get more money this summer, just adds fuel to the fire. It’s like when we had Ostertag. Remember him? Gave effort in one out of five games and frustrated Malone to no end. I bet Williams feels like that with Boozer but doesn’t say it publicly. I just want us to go back to being tough and rough. I want teams out there to fear us. Nash said last year, “When we play the Jazz, I feel like I am at the dentist.” We need to get to that again. Here’s hoping for a better next year and let’s hope for a miracle in the playoffs.

JayD on April 16, 2009 said:

I am frustrated with Boozer , I think that he is and will be an All-Star , but he is not playing that way right now . I hate that when he gets the ball he stands around looking like he dosent know what to do with it , instead of going in for the kill like he used to . He is also standing around with the ball in his hands long enough for the opposing team to steal it from him . Then it seams that his hands have butter on them and he loses the ball when it is passed to him .
I have to give him some due repect for what he is going thru , I am sure that it has some to do with how he is playing . But I wish that he could play like he wanted to win .
I know that this team is capable of beating the Lakers , so lets get some attitude and win Guys .
Go Jazz !!!!!
Jay

Doug Dellwo on April 16, 2009 said:

The Jaz are just trying to incorporate him into the line up again, I think it sounded like a tough decision by Sloan to insert him in the line up in the last five or six games. Milsap is and has been a better player over all but he does not have the experience, tough call. I love the Jaz and I think that playing the Lakers now is the best thing to have happend. Win and get confidence. They would face them sometime anyway. Facing th Lakers and winnig is what they need to face the Nuggets or the sspurs and win. To me the Lakers are the easier team for the Jaz, if…. they play with heart.

Leave Your Comment

How do I get an avatar for my comments?
It is easy and completely free. Just go to Gravatar.com and sign-up with your email address. Gravatar is globally recognized, so your avatar will show on every Gravatar-enabled website or blog.