Carlos Boozer joined the Bulls in early June 2010 via a sign-and-trade deal from the Jazz. To kickstart his time with the new team, one of his first goals was to recruit other players to the 'Windy City.' However, 'Booz' had his sights set not just on any player but specifically on NBA superstar LeBron James.
"I think we would have the best starting lineup out there on the floor. That goes with Kobe [Bryant] and his team, the Big Three in Boston, and D-Wade and Chris [Bosh] down there in Miami. That's my pitch to him: we would have the best starting five in basketball," Boozer said , per ESPN.
A free agent frenzy
During the 2010 NBA offseason, James was the most sought-after free agent in the league. At just 26 years old, the Oregon native was on the verge of his prime. Given the struggles of his former team, the Cavaliers, it seemed likely that LeBron would explore his options, especially with interest from several teams, including the Heat, the Clippers, the Nets, and the Knicks.
The 'Knickerbockers,' in particular, pulled out all the stops to attract the 2008 scoring champ. As reported in-depth, their front office used the acclaimed TV show 'The Sopranos' as part of their free-agency recruiting pitch for LeBron.
In contrast, Boozer's attempt to persuade 'King James' was less grand but still compelling, as it focused on the team's potential. The German-American player publicly presented a hypothetical Bulls lineup featuring LBJ, which would be: Derrick Rose (PG), James (SG), Luol Deng (SF), himself (PF), and Joakim Noah (C).
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From skepticism to admiration
Ironically, many years earlier, the former two-time All-Star wasn't very impressed with LBJ. During the 2002-03 NBA season, the basketball world was abuzz about the arrival of the young phenom, LeBron, who was expected to enter the league, possibly the Cavaliers, as the future number one pick. However, Boozer, then a Cavs rookie, didn't share that excitement, stating about the 'Chosen One,' "We have better players at his position already on our team, though."
However, after playing a season together in Ohio, the former 6'9" player became fully convinced of the future NBA legend's talents. Later, during the 2010 offseason, they were reportedly in close contact regarding 'The Decision.'
"He (LeBron) was weighing between a few different teams, and he [texted me] that he would make a decision," Carlos stated . "If he comes, we'll be so excited... but if he chooses to go someplace else, this team will be ready to play."
In hindsight, LBJ chose to go to South Beach instead of joining Boozer, Noah, and Rose and form the two-time championship-winning 'Heatles.' Meanwhile, the Bulls, as Carlos previously noted, indeed showed they were "ready to play" even without Bron.
Coached by Tom Thibodeau, they finished the 2010-11 campaign with a 62-20 record, securing first place in the Eastern Conference ahead of the Heat. However, they ultimately lost 4-1 to Miami in the 2011 Eastern Conference Finals. It marked Boozer's closest chance at winning a ring in Chicago before leaving in 2014.
Related: “Right away we knew he was our best player” - Carlos Boozer recalls witnessing LeBron James in practice for the first time
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