In six games against the 76ers, Carlos Boozer averaged a disappointing 13.5 PPG, 42.2 FG%, and 3.8 turnovers per game compared to his 15/ 53.2/ 1.7 averages during the regular season. His 1-for-11 performance in a do-or-die Game Six could only have added more frustration for Bulls fans, as some have reportedly called for Boozer to be amnestied this summer. Bulls general manager Gar Forman was quick to show his support (Sportando link via CBS Chicago) for his starting power forward, as he spoke on The Mully and Hanley Show: "Even in that last game, in 27 minutes, he had 13 boards. I anticipate Carlos being with us and having another productive year next season."
Here's more of what's buzzing in the Windy City:
- Derrick Rose is in good spirits and ready to start rehab, according to his former Simeon high school coach Robert Smith (Scott Powers of ESPN Chicago reports). Rose, who recently underwent surgery to repair a torn ACL and will likely miss eight to 12 months, hasn't spoken publicly since his injury.
- Joel Brigham and Mark Nugent of HoopsWorld wonder if the costly injuries that followed the team's regular season success are a sign to break up the team. Brigham appears to be a proponent of shopping Luol Deng and Joakim Noah in order to bring another star to Chicago. Nugent toys with some hypothetical scenarios, including the idea of trading Ronnie Brewer and Carlos Boozer to New York for Amare Stoudemire, or letting Kyle Korver, Ronnie Brewer, and C.J. Watson walk after amnestying Boozer in order to fall $12-13 MM below the cap. However, Nugent advocates patience and doesn't feel that the risks that come along with either scenario (or in any case) are worth breaking up the team as currently constructed.
- David Haugh of the Chicago Tribune creates a parallel between Rose's injury and when Michael Jordan broke his left foot during the 1985-86 season, adding that Jordan was still able to return as a dynamic player post-injury.