The Bulls aren’t investigating Carlos Boozer’s hand injury, as a published report claimed over the weekend.
What are they supposed to do, interview the gym bag Boozer said he tripped over?
Sure, some skepticism exists regarding Boozer’s story. Some fans are even taking Boozer’s recent divorce — which was settled amicably, by the way — and noting that his injury is called a “boxer’s fracture” and adding two plus two to get five.
He punched a wall for sure!
This is for sure: Boozer’s right knuckles had no cuts or swelling or redness on them when he met with team physicians following the injury, which occurred on Oct. 2.
“It’s a non-issue to us,” coach Tom Thibodeau said.
Since Boozer suffered the fractured fifth metacarpal at home on a day off, only he knows what happens for sure. He told team officials the injury occurred the same way he told reporters. Since neither the team nor media witnessed the incident, it’s next to impossible to find evidence to discount Boozer’s story.
Plus, the Bulls have been impressed by the professionalism and leadership Boozer has exhibited since signing his five-year, $75 million contract.
The published report also tried to link Boozer’s explanation with his controversial departure from the Cavaliers in 2004. That’s when Boozer asked out of his $695,000 option. The Cavaliers, according to multiple media reports at the time, said yes, assuming Boozer would re-sign for six years and $38 million, the most they could offer him.
Instead, Boozer signed a $68 million deal with the Jazz. Then-Cavs owner Gordon Gund released a statement saying he “decided to trust Carlos and show him the respect he asked for. He did not show that trust and respect in return.”
Boozer always has denied telling the Cavaliers he would accept the $38 million offer. And if anyone wanted to drag Boozer’s name through the mud with the Bulls, Jim Paxson could’ve been the one. He was the Cavaliers’ general manager at the time.
Instead, Paxson, now a Bulls consultant, supported pursuing Boozer this offseason.
Of course the Bulls are disappointed Boozer’s five-year stint will begin with the All-Star forward missing at least the first month of the regular season.
“I’d prefer him on the court,” Thibodeau said. “But obviously he can run so his conditioning should be OK. It’s not the same as playing so he’ll have to make up ground there. The good thing is he was in great shape prior to the injury. But we’re going to have to be patient and wait.”
Indeed, Boozer’s right hand is broken no matter what anybody believes happened. Nothing can change that.
