First, I have to say that I love Basketball-Reference.com and I use it a lot.  So, when I went to the Carlos Boozer page I had to laugh when I saw the sponsor.  Click here and check it out.  All fun and games aside, however you may feel about Boozer (I’m talking to you, Cleveland), there’s no denying Boozer’s ability as a big man down in the box.

The downside to Boozer is the curse placed upon him by witchcraft practicioners in Cleveland.  How else do you explain the 51 games played in ‘04-‘05 and 33 games played last seaon since Boozer has been calling Utah home?  In his first two seasons with the Cavaliers, Boozer played 81 and 75 games, respectively.  But, ever since he had his Rod Tidwell moment and was shown the money, Boozer just can’t seem to stay healthy, so that’s something to keep in mind.  And if you know how to reverse curses, all the better.

Boozer is very capable player with a nice skill set, thanks to his days with Duke.  He gets in position well and has some good recognition skills.  Boozer isn’t the most atheltic player, which does not allow him to maximize his height to get after the ball and accumulates blocks.  However, anything else you ever wanted from a big man, Booxer does.

Last season, Boozer averaged 16.3 ppg and and 8.6 rpg, but only played on average 31.1 minutes per contest.  Once he proves that he’s healthy HEALHTY, his minutes should increase and subsequently, his production.  Last season’s numbers converted to 40 minutes per game would have had Boozer averaging 20.9 ppg and 11.1 rpg, which is very Elton Brand-like.  Regarding points and rebounds, wouldn’t you love to get that production in the sixth round?!?!?!

Other than getting the points and boards, Boozer is a huge contributor to any fantasy team’s FG% as he shot 54.9% from the floor last season and is a career 53.0% shooter.  But, Boozer can also get it down from the charity stripe as he shot 72.3%, owning a career 74.0% mark.  So, unlike other centers that shoot horribly from the free-throw line (Shaquille O’Neal, Tim Duncan, and Ben Wallace come to mind), Boozer shoots a more than acceptable percentage.  In fact, it’s basically gold from the five spot.

The flexibility that Boozer offers by playing both power forward and center cannot be understated.  Usually stud centers, such as the aforementioned O’Neal and Duncan, plus Chris Bosh and Yao Ming amongst a few others, are taken in the early rounds.  Taking a gamble on Boozer in the beginning of the middle rounds with the potential of getting 20/10 stats and very good percentages will make you feel like a genius of the Ken Jennings level!  Seriously, Boozer is more than capable as #1 center, so don’t be shy.

“The answer is, he is potentially the #1 value on your fantasy basketball team for this upcoming season.”

“Who is Carlos Boozer.”

How He Fits On This Fantasy Basketball Team

Adding some more points and boards never hurts, especially since I drafted guards with my last two picks.  I can’t complain about Boozer’s percentages production, but wish he did get more blocks like a “normal” center, so I’ll have to address that later.  However, the biggest thing about this pick is that I now have my two starting centers for this type of league and both spots should be very productive… if they can stay healthy.

1.11. Yao Ming, C, Houston Rockets
2.2. Andrei Kirilenko, SF/PF, Utah Jazz
3.11. Ron Artest, SF, Sacramento Kings
4.2. Kirk Hinrich, PG/SG, Chicago Bulls
5.11. Raymond Felton, PG, Charlotte Bobcats