Carlos Boozer of Interest to the Pacers?

Apr 16, 2014; Charlotte, NC, USA; Chicago Bulls forward Carlos Boozer (5) wipes his head during a time out during the first half of the game against the Charlotte Bobcats at Time Warner Cable Arena. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe-USA TODAY Sports

There have been rumors circulating that the Indiana Pacers could look to acquire Carlos Boozer if he is amnestied by the Chicago Bulls. According to a report from Mitch Lawrence, the Pacers are one of the teams that will have interest in Boozer if he hits the market. It might not be all that bad of a move, especially to replace Luis Scola if that is the route that the Pacers decide to go.

Boozer might not be a good defender, but he likely would be able to play better defensively than Scola simply because he is stronger. His offensive game is much more consistent, and he is a far superior rebounder as well. He does have some issues that leave teams scared of his consistency, but things couldn’t get much worse than the production that Scola brought to the court down the stretch of last season and into the playoffs.

Last season with the Bulls, Boozer played in and started 76 regular season games. He averaged 13.7 points and 8.3 rebounds, which show that he is capable of putting up double-double performances on any given night. Indiana would be signing him to be the backup to David West, and that could potentially be a sticking point as Boozer has previously made it clear that he doesn’t like coming off of the bench.

Larry Bird has been extremely busy this offseason, and this would yet another move attempting to get the Pacers over the hump. There is no doubt that the team is close to taking the next step and competing for a title, but with LeBron James going back to the Cleveland Cavaliers, things are going to be very difficult. Boozer might not be a big piece to add to the puzzle, but he is capable of scoring the basketball and being a vocal leader on the court.

Overall, it would certainly be an interesting move to give a chance if they can get him at a good price. The Pacers don’t look likely to be able to re-sign Lance Stephenson, and this move could be just the start of the changes. There have been many reports about the Pacers making a big deal to acquire a point guard, but adding Boozer to the mix does help out the overall depth of the roster.