2) Carlos Boozer
A large section of Jazz Nation finds it difficult to put Carlos Boozer’s time with the team into perspective given some of the controversy that surrounded him. Fans tended toward questioning his dedication, heart and especially that signature Olé Defense.
Heck, I’d be lying if I didn’t cop to defacing one of his Jazz jerseys as an embattled, young (ish) fan.
Still, there’s no denying that Boozer’s best years were in Salt Lake City. Those years were really, really good, too.
With Utah facing a post Stockton-to-Malone world in the mid-2000s, his impact on the franchise was huge. He was a multiple-time All-Star, an Olympic gold medalist, the team’s go-to option offensively and one of the league’s best rebounders throughout his days in a Jazz uniform.
Before the Jazz won 51 games and a playoff series in 2016-17, the Boozer/Deron Williams-era teams were the last Jazz squads to really be relevant in the league. They were also among the most successful in team history. And while D-Will steered the ship, the Jazz would have been rudderless without Boozer.
In 2006-07 and ’07-08, Boozer posted consecutive 20-10 seasons. The only other player in Jazz history to post consecutive full seasons of 20-10 ball sits atop of this list.
So despite the ill will, Boozer is undeniably one of the best players ever to play for the Jazz.
Utah Jazz Stats: 354 GP, 19.3 PTS, 10.5 REB, 2.9 AST
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