Boozer Plans To Play Overseas

By Benjy Lipsman in News on Aug 11, 2011 6:00PM

Most indications suggest negotiations between NBA players and owners aren't making much progress, and some expect the labor dispute to drag on for quite some time. Recently, the head of the NBA Players Union stated his belief the entire 2011-12 season will be lost. Other players now are following Deron Williams' lead and are exploring taking their talents abroad. Some need the money, others want to keep their skills sharp, and many just love playing the game.

For Bulls fans, one recent declaration has to cause some concern. Power forward Carlos Boozer said he intends to play overseas if the season doesn't begin on time, "If the NBA season gets delayed or postponed, I plan on using those months to experience something similar to what I did in the summer of 2008. That's why, if the lockout continues, I definitely plan on playing overseas."

Fans reacting to Boozer's comments can only wonder whether he knows how to say injured in Italian or Mandarin. The highest profile of the Bulls' free agent signings last summer, Boozer landed a deal worth $76 million over five years, so he can't need the money that badly -- even if he's recently divorced. Last season, the fragile forward missed 23 games due to injury, including the first 15 of the season after breaking his hand in a fall. He then played (rather ineffectively) through a turf toe injury during the playoffs. If ever there were a guy who should stay off the court throughout the lockout, it's Boozer.

Unfortunately, Bulls management can't even have contact with him to talk some sense. Perhaps this is another opportunity for Derrick Rose to step up with some team leadership and convince Booz to stay put and stay safe.