Carlos Boozer wants to play overseas if the Lockout continues – NBA Update
Chicago Bulls star power forward Carlos Boozer has revealed in a recent interview that he would definitely be open to playing abroad if an opportunity arose to do so. Boozer has become the latest name in a long list of NBA players
looking for work outside the United States since the NBA lockout began.
Boozer only joined the Chicago Bulls last summer after spending years with the Utah Jazz. The burly forward had a mixed season with the Bulls. He did give Chicago some more options on offence, but wasn’t really up to the high level
expected off him. Moreover his defence left a lot to be desired in Tom Thibodeau gritty system. Fans of Chicago were particularly frustrated with the power forward during the playoffs.
Still Boozer is a good player and the Bulls will be hoping he can bring his best form next season. During a recent interview Carlos revealed how he was looking forward to another run with Chicago, who reached the Eastern Conference
Finals last season, and also spoke about the lockout situation and the overseas opportunities it had created.
Boozer, though concerned over the labour dispute that seems to be getting worse all the time, said it also presented a unique opportunity for NBA players. He was part of the USA Basketball team for the 2008 Olympics in China and
that experience has left a mark on the player, who wants more now that he has had a taste.
“I think as players we have to look at this lockout as an unfortunate challenge, but one that can create other unique and positive opportunities,” he said. “When I was part of Team USA that won Olympic Gold in Beijing, that experience
changed my life in incredible ways.”
“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.”
Although Boozer did not confirm that he was in talks with any team, his words suggest that the player would favour a move to China. The Chinese season only starts in December and agreeing a contract with a Chinese Basketball Association
team could give Boozer enough time to see where the talks regarding the new CBA are headed.
At the moment the scenario is not one which gives hope. If anything, the situation has deteriorated from when the lockout began on July 1. The player’s union officials have repeatedly stated that they want to resolve the issue
through talks but the NBA seemingly has other ideas. The league filed a lawsuit against the player union and now the matter seems set to unfold in a federal court.
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