I’m Carlos Boozer, Get Me Out of Here!

Posted by Alex Jeppson on July 30, 2009

You know that sleazy used car salesman who will tell you absolutely anything you wanna hear to get you to sign on the dotted line? The one that deals models with a shiny exterior but a run down engine? The guy who insists that you can trust him despite what you have heard around town? The crooked spinster you want to slap in the face whenever he opens his mouth? Carlos Boozer is that man.

A Jazz roster that expected to see marked change with many potential free agents has remained the same with addition of draftees Eric Maynor and Goran Suton. Although this may be disappointing to many fans, considering the sub-par season last year, this off season has not been without excitement, delivering more drama than your typical day time soap opera. While big name players like Shaquille Oneal, Ron Artest, and Rasheed Wallace have relocated, the local soap style action has been caused by the talented, but vain lead actor Carlos Boozer. Possibly the only thing worse than announcing your intentions to opt out of your contract in the middle of the season, while you’re injured, is not actually doing it. Choosing greed over integrity, Boozer’s decision gave the Blazers the opportunity to attempt to bully the Jazz into losing tough guy Paul Milsap. Thankfully, Jazz brass refused to bu pushed around by their Northwest Division Rival, and matched the Milsap Offer.

However, the drama didn’t stop there, as it has fueled numerous trade rumors for the maligned Power Forward. His reputation in Utah and in other places around the league, namely Cleveland, is lower than his threshold for pain. Aside from putting the Jazz in a difficult position, he has made it worse by making more campaign stops than his fellow Alaskan politician Sarah Palin. Speaking of the now former Governor of Alaska, “What is the difference between a bulldog and Carlos Boozer? The bulldog actually plays defense.” Even Chicago fans should feel slighted that a few days after telling the Windy City how honored he would be to play there, he made a point of telling a Miami Radio station that the Heat would be his #1 choice.

On his daily Radio show last week, in the context of the Michael Vick story, Jim Rome stated that the one thing a fan can never forgive is disloyalty. If that is the case, Boozer has committed this unpardonable sin numerous times. He left Cleveland amidst a firestorm of criticism, as coaches, executives, and fans felt he was less than honest about his intentions. Ignoring these qualms, and even taking up his defense, Jazz fans were eager to find a heir apparent to Karl Malone. Things went smoothly at first, Boozer showed he was worth faith placed in him, quickly establishing himself as an all-star. Then came the injuries, the questions about his fervor in rehabilitating them, his unmotivated play on the court, and his unhappiness with his Utah home off of it.

This is not your typical case of a jilted Jazz fan miffed over a player’s lack of heart or his hope to play for a different team. In fact, most fans are as excited to see Boozer leave as numerous football junkies awaiting the first round of their fantasy draft. However, Jazz fan has the right to be upset with Boozer’s handling of the divorce, because every time he opens his mouth in a competing city, fawning over the opportunity to play there, he not only damages his already sinking reputation, but the value that the Jazz can receive for him as well.

Jazz fans should be happy with the patience Kevin O’Connor has shown in shopping for a trade. Although Boozer has said he was informed by the Jazz that he was no longer apart of their long term plans, a conversation the team denies ever taking place, the front office has not been in a hurry to ship him out for less than we should get in return. Waiting for his value to go up may work, but it also gives Carlos the opportunity to put his foot in his mouth again, something I’m sure he will take advantage of. As a Jazz fan, I want the Jazz to trade him wherever we can get the best players in return, but as an annoyed human being, I wouldn’t mind sending him to the worst place possible. Maybe we can ship him back to Alaska in exchange for a few eskimos, chances are they would have a bigger post presence than him.

Regardless, the story isn’t new, a self-absorbed athlete upset with his current residence wants a change and will probably get it. However, in this tale starring a used car salesman power forward, what ever team falls for the pitch will get what they paid for, more minutes in street clothes on the sideline than minutes played. Take it from fans who know, we took a test drive and we want a refund.

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Trent on July 30, 2009 said:

I think this article represents the feelings of a large majority of Jazz fans right now. So far, Boozer always seems to find a way to make the situation worse.

TameKate on July 30, 2009 said:

Great Viewpoint!! Did the jazz offer a contract for goran sutton? How did I miss that?

Alex Jeppson on July 30, 2009 said:

No, Goran Suton doesn’t have a contract offer as of yet, thanks for pointing that out Kate.

Boondock Saint on July 30, 2009 said:

@Alex- Man do I agree with you. Me personally, I’m finding it difficult balancing the gag reflex with my Jazzfandom. I’m so tired of hearing Boozer did this and Boozer did that. Seriously, I’m going nuts. However, I am equally intrigued by Boozer trade rumors. I don’t want to hear about it but I can’t stay away. PLEASE HELP! Can we have the eskimos please please please?!

JazzNoseBleed on July 30, 2009 said:

Good Read.

KOC has the reigns firm in his hands here. He is not letting boozer go anywhere anytime soon in my opinion. I think it will go down like this.

Boozer will get return to the bootcamp with the Jazz at will play the first month of the season. HOPEFULLY he is trying hard this season knowing a contract is almost over and will really play with heart and put some more value into himself, this helping the Jazz get some W’s and making teams more interested in him.

At that point they will send him somewhere and get some good return for him, or if he is REALLY playing well and the Jazz see him helping obtain a championship, they will hold on to him and pay the L-Tax to get a championship.

But thats just my opinion.

tman11 on July 30, 2009 said:

I wasn’t that impressed with Suton but, that was just me. I think we could have gotten a better player with that pick I mean heyvelt didn’t even get drafted how does that happen? Colo was still there even Nevil I think is a better player. He has skills you can’t teach and, that’s height but, whatever I can’t sit here and, complain about stuff I can’t change. Honestly I’m happy Boozer is out complainning and, telling every one he wants out. I know it sounds kind of stupid but, for one he isn’t ruining the jezz’s Rep by any means. Other teams know how we operate so what ever he says it doesn’t matter about us. Also it help’s us get rid of him faster. I can see use making the trade in the next couple weeks just because of this. It’s great because honestly his value isn’t going down any other teams know his is Boozers attitude every one is use to seeing itso it’s not hurting his trade value by any means. And it’s going to make KOC jump on a deal alot faster I’m excited come on Boozer keep running that big mouth of yours I’m enjoying it..

Alex Jeppson on July 30, 2009 said:

Yeah, I was not very impressed with Suton either tman and agree that our 2nd round pick could have been used on someone more valuable. We already have two players that have similar skill sets to Suton, but are better basketball players, in Koufus and Okur. Although I disagree with your opinion about Boozer’s, i think you make some interesting points. Yes, Boozer talking has made it a given that he will not be with the Jazz next year and I can agree that most teams probably knew we weren’t going to keep him anyways. II just don’t think that faster is always better though, Boozer continuing to talk and complain pushes us farther into the corner, and if it forces our hand it could result in decreased value. Would you rather have the Jazz rush into a trade because they are forced to, getting an average player like Udonis Haslem in return, or have them wait patiently for the best deal possible. I want Boozer gone as fast as most Jazz fans, I just want it to be done at the highest value possible.

Mal on July 30, 2009 said:

Nice, nice, nice Alex. Enjoyed the take. Now give us our refund Carlos Boozer.

CowHideGlobe on July 30, 2009 said:

Very nice article…..you captured in your blog what we are all thinking about CBooz. At this point I would be happy trading him for an Oompa Loompa. At least those guys showed some heart guarding Willy’s candy.

Andy Larsen on July 30, 2009 said:

This, IMO, is the definitive Boozer post. Congrats, Alex. I don’t have much else to add.

Matthew on July 30, 2009 said:

I remember when a few Jazz fans started hating Boozer last year and all the same points about his lack of defense and disloyalty to the team that come up now were coming up back then but so many other Jazz fans defended him. It seems that slowly but surely almost every Jazz fan has jumped on the “I hate Boozer” wagon. I’m glad that everyone is finally starting to realize how pathetic he really is.

Alex Jeppson on July 30, 2009 said:

Thanks Mal and Andy! I agree, we need our money back! Yeah, it is true that the tide against Boozer has been turning slowly but surely going back 3 years ago when he missed nearly an entire season with an ankle sprain. His problems with motivation, defensive intensity, disloyalty continued to rear their ugly head until it has finally reached the breaking point.

J R Stewart on July 30, 2009 said:

We’d all like a trade but…

We may just have to live with Booz the entire year, or at least until Feb 22nd.

Jazzaholic

Alex Jeppson on July 30, 2009 said:

Yeah, I have thought about that too JR…Although Boozer claims that there is no way he will be with the Jazz next season, there might be something to being patient, not giving into his demands, hoping he plays well since he’s in a contract year, and then trading him by the deadline at increased value.

allan soliven on July 31, 2009 said:

i just hope we get a good trade out of boozer

Linda Kay on July 31, 2009 said:

I wrote a blog a few minutes ago where I gave the definition of a sports fan as printed in the Sports Magazine. It said that a fan, in a group sport ,was loyality to the team. The problem with that is that Boozer just refuses to be a part of the team. I haven’t really thought of him as part of the team since about the second long supposidly recovery. I want him gone so that the Jazz can get together and “be a team” but I also trust KOC to watch, wait, and pull the trigger at the right time. Your blog was really great!! It was factual and very entertaining.

D Kirk on August 01, 2009 said:

AS a Heat fan I will say we don’t want him we have enough problems as it is thanks but no thanks but we can get you all Pat Riley for free maybe him and Boozer will get along you know one F up to another LOL!!!

Rick on August 02, 2009 said:

jazz fans shouldnt complain too much… i mean boozer hasnt changed at all, he has always been the same. all he does is look out for himself and his interests. he was like that in cleveland, we saw the chance to take him and we did, we must pay for what we asked. its as simple is that… we got what we wanted. booz just has to put up or shut up and we just have to shut up and put up with it until its over… hopefully sooner rather than later. but by no means is booz championship material, i know that as long as he is in a jazz uniform the jazz dont stand a chance at going back to the finals

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