Mar 10, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Detroit Pistons forward Anthony Tolliver (43) guards Los Angeles Lakers forward Carlos Boozer (5) in the first half of the game at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
Carlos Boozer, Los Angeles Lakers
Crazy, right?
The thought of Carlos Boozer back in Jazz blue is probably enough to make some Jazz fans queasy, but there is a method to this madness.
We all know about Boozer’s defensive limitations and he certainly isn’t better now, five years after leaving the Jazz. What he can do, however, is score the basketball, play in the pick-and-roll and rebound at a high rate. These would all be valuable assets for Utah’s second unit.
When on the court for the Lakers this season, Boozer is collecting 15.7-percent of available rebounds. For comparison, Derrick Favors clears the glass at a rate of 15.1-percent for the Jazz.
At 34 years of age, he also continues to be an effective mid-range jump shooter. From 10 to 14 feet away from the basket, Boozer has connected on nearly 51-percent of his shot attempts.
It may not be a popular choice, but Boozer has a tangible skill set and could be a cost-effective option for improving depth
Next: 2. Thaddeus Young, Brooklyn Nets