Boozer may report late to training camp

Sep 27, 2007 - 6:17 PM SALT LAKE CITY, Utah (Ticker) -- Utah Jazz forward Carlos Boozer has been granted permission to report late to training camp due to family medical needs, the team announced Thursday.

When Boozer will be able to join the team at training camp in Boise, Idaho, is still uncertain.

"My son is recovering from a bone marrow transplant in Miami," Boozer said on the team's web site. "Because of his procedure, my return to training camp in Boise, Idaho, is uncertain. As soon as my son is home from the hospital and stable, I will join my teammates. Your thoughts and prayers are appreciated by me and my family during this time.

"We have been in contact with the Jazz organization, including Mr. Miller, Kevin O'Connor, and coach Sloan, and all of my teammates, and everyone has been incredibly supportive of my family during these days. We want everyone to know how grateful we are for that."

The Jazz begin the season with media day on October 1 in Salt Lake City and then travel to Boise for training camp until October 6.

"Carlos has been working out all summer in Miami and coordinating efforts with Gary Briggs, our team trainer, and Mark McKown, our strength and conditioning coach," Jazz general manager Kevin O'Connor said. "We are confident that when he rejoins the team he will be ready to compete.

"Carlos needs to be with his family right now and we fully support his decision."

Last season, Boozer averaged 20.9 points and 11.9 rebounds during the regular season. He increased those figures to 23.5 points and 12.2 rebounds per game in the playoffs, helping the Jazz reach the Western Conference finals where they were eliminated in five games by the eventual champion San Antonio Spurs.