Baron Davis and Stephen Jackson aren't the only veterans looking to return to the NBA. Carlos Boozer, who sat out the 2015-16 season, told the Vertical's Adrian Wojnarowski that he wants back in:
Boozer, 34, has been working out in Miami throughout the past year and hopes there's an opportunity in a bench role and mentoring environment on a team in the 2016-17 season.
"The previous season with the Lakers was a tough year," Boozer told the Vertical. "Kobe [Bryant] got hurt, Steve Nash went down and we had a young group still learning to win. I ended up taking the next year off, spent time with my kids and family and right now my body feels great. I feel terrific.
"I have been working out hard all year, and I miss the game. I want to play again."
Boozer last played for the Los Angeles Lakers in 2014-15 after a four-year stint with the Chicago Bulls. He has had opportunities to play overseas and has not ruled that out, but would much rather join a contender in the NBA.
On the surface it's strange that Boozer vanished from the league so quickly. In 13 years, he always averaged double figures in scoring. His rebounding declined in Los Angeles, though, and his shaky defense got even worse. That's a serious problem when power forwards are increasingly expected to be able to defend the pick-and-roll, protect the rim and stick with smaller players. Given Boozer's limitations as a defender and his lack of 3-point range, his best selling point these days is his ability to be a mentor. That's why he's talking about helping out younger players.
