Background: After a strong second NBA season with Cleveland, Boozer surprisingly signed a six-year, $68 million contract with the Utah Jazz in the summer of 2004. The Cavaliers claimed Boozer reneged on a promise to re-sign, and he has been vilified in Cleveland. The 6-foot-9, 266-pounder was criticized for missing the final 31 games of the 2004-05 season with Utah because of a strained right foot. The Juneau, Alaska, native also missed the first 49 games of last season with a hamstring injury. When Boozer did play for Utah, he was productive, averaging 17.2 points and 9.1 rebounds. Even so, there have been constant trade rumors surrounding him since his arrival in Utah.
What’s up: Boozer has led the Jazz to a surprising NBA-best 7-1 start entering Friday’s game against Seattle. He was named Western Conference player of the week (Oct. 31-Nov. 5) in which he led the Jazz to a 3-0 record, averaging 20.7 points on .500 shooting and 15 rebounds. Boozer currently ranks among the leaders in rebounds and double-doubles. “I’m great, healthy as a bird,” Boozer said. “Knock on wood, though.”
Spears’ take: The bruising Boozer always had talent and has complete game. In fact, the Nuggets made a pitch at trying to sign him in 2004 before getting Kenyon Martin. The problem with Boozer and star teammate Andrei Kirilenko is they have issues staying healthy. Boozer, Kirilenko and Mehmet Okur could make up the NBA’s best front line. The Nuggets better be nervous about Boozer and the Jazz in their hopes to repeat as Northwest Division champions. “We can be dangerous,” Boozer said of the Jazz trio. “All three of us go in and out and can score. It’s going to be fun to see us play this year.”
