Boozer's return is huge for an ailing Bulls offense.Jonathan Daniel/Getty ImagesThis offseason, the city of Chicago had high hopes for its basketball team.The Bulls had just come off their second straight playoff appearance, were the proud home of one of the game's brightest young talents in Derrick Rose Reebok Dallas Cowboys #82 Jason Witten Realtree camo Jersey
and were in good shape to clear a lot of salary cap space and be major players in the biggest free agent class in NBA history.Rumors filled the air, and many Chicagoans were led to believe that their beloved Bulls were favorites to land one or more of the classes crown jewels: Chris Bosh, LeBron James, Dwyane Wade.Things didn't exactly go the way Bulls GM John Paxson had intended in July, but after missing on the talented trio Paxson immediately turned his focus to another impact free agent, Carlos Boozer.The casual basketball observer probably scoffed at the signing, because after all, Carlos Boozer is not LeBron James.However, the truth of the matter is that Carlos Boozer was exactly the kind of talent needed in Chicago. The Bulls already have a blossoming young superstar more than capable of shouldering the load, as well as a scrappy young center, in Joakim Noah.What the Bulls needed was a versatile scoring threat at the 4 spot. Someone who could score with his back to the basket and face up, and Boozer fit the mold.Boozer discusses his low post arsenal.Boozer, an eight-year verteran, had spent the last five seasons in Utah learning how to play the two-man game under the master of the pick and roll, Jerry Sloan. Pairing Boozer with one of the games bright young guards, Deron Williams, the Jazz sported one of the better one-two combos in the league.The Bulls certainly hoped to use training camp to develop a similar chemistry between Boozer and Rose.Unfortunately for Bulls fans, they were not afforded such a luxury.On October 2 Carlos Boozer tripped over a gym bag in his home while trying to answer the door. He felt a pop in his shooting hand when he tried to brace his fall and wound up in a cast.The Bulls would be without Boozer Reebok Dallas Cowboys #9 Tony Romo Realtree camo Jersey
for eight weeks.Without their prize free agent signing, the "Baby" Bulls were able to coast to a solid 9-6 start, but it was clear that something was missing. At times the Bulls half court offense appeared stagnant and often downright bad.Boozer returned to action last Wednesday against the Orlando Magic, but looked out of sync in limited minutes, scoring only five points. Friday in Boston was a little better for Boozer, who still played just 20 minutes, but the Bulls lost again.It didn't take long for the former Olympic gold medalist to find his stride though. Saturday in an overtime win over the Houston Rockets, Boozer hit 9 of 15 shots from the floor en route to 25 points.How many regular season wins will the Bulls have?How many regular season wins will the Bulls have?Under 3523.3%35-410.0%42-488.9%49-5551.9%Over 5515.9%Total votes: 605Then last night Boozer looked as if he never missed a beat in a home win over the talented young Oklahoma City Thunder. Boozer notched his first double-double of the season with an impressive 29 point, 12 rebound performance.With Derrick Rose putting up MVP caliber numbers, if the Bulls can continue to get the 20 and 10 Boozer has been known for the past few seasons, look for Chicago to make a serious push towards the top ofReebok Denver Broncos #15 Tim Tebow Realtree camo Jersey
the Eastern Conference standings.The bulk of the attention in the East this year has generally directed at the Heat, Magic and Celtics, and for good reason. The Celtics and Magic have represented the East in the NBA Finals for the past three seasons and the Heat just had the largest free agent haul of the salary cap era, but that is fine with head coach Tom Thibodeau and the Bulls.If things continue to go as planned, I have a feeling that Boozer and the Bulls will have their opportunity to steal the spotlight come this spring.One thing is for sure, the Bulls' recipe for success over the next few months calls for plenty of "Booze." Hopefully Chicago can avoid the hangover.
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