Skander, Joe, Caleb, and non-Jazz fans,
In the 2008 playoffs, Boozer was a big letdown, no doubt. But he was strong in the 2007 playoffs when the Jazz went to the conference finals.
2007
23.5 PPG, 53.6 FG%, 76/103 FTA/M, 12.2 RPG, 2.9 APG, 1 SPG
2008
16.0 PPG, 41.5 FG%, 40/56 FTA/M, 12.3 RPG, 2.8 APG, 0.5 SPG
Not too much difference in rebounds and assists. I think it comes down to shot selection. In 2007, Carlos averaged 6.1 FTA per game. In, 2008: 4.7
I think last year was a combination of being ice cold and settling for jumpers. I don't think he was much of a defender in either year, but his rebounding was identical.
What I'm getting at is basically what I told you a few months ago. I'm not sure it's time to give up on Boozer, especially since it is looking less and less like he's planning on moving away. Since his son has returned to health, he and his family have moved full time to Salt Lake City because his son doesn't have to be near his doctors. The Miami problem doesn't seem as much as an issue as it did a few months ago.
With that said, I would not be against trading him for the right piece. Oberto and Finley? Reality, you are either a master-baiter (WoW would probably say that one's been settled) or just plain stoopid.
I'm not sure Martin is enough. We need a 2 that can take his turn defending Kobe and Manu, IMO. Not sure that's Martin. When Maggette signed with us as a restricted FA, I really thought he'd thrive in this system, but it was not to be. Give me a 2 guard who can defend AND shoot with a motion that doesn't make me spontaneously dry heave (Brewer).
Problem is, I like Brewer's game. He defends, he moves VERY well without the ball, and he is crazy efficient on offense. If we replace Brewer with someone we get for Boozer, it better be an All-Star IMO. And besides, we may already have our 2 in C.J. Miles. With Miles on board and no all-star 2 guard deals apparent, I'd vote for giving Booz another playoff shot.
We would have given the Lakers some serious heartburn if Boozer had brought his 2007 game, and we may still with our bench getting so much run this season.