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Carlos Boozer Reacts to New Front Office Role Ahead of NBA Draft

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Alex Kirschenbaum | Last updated Jun 25, 2025 12:29 PM ET

Former NBA All-Star and Olympic gold medalist Carlos Boozer, now 43, is in the midst of a surprise new career.

After years logged as a broadcaster, Boozer is now a scout for the new-look Utah Jazz front office under fresh president of basketball operations Austin Ainge.

Along with former journeyman combo guard Avery Bradley, Boozer has been brought in to help evaluate young pieces who may be overlooked on draft night — an issue both vets have plenty of experience with, having been those young pieces once themselves.

Boozer plied his trade for the Jazz from 2004-10, before departing for the Chicago Bulls on a maximum deal in the historic free agent summer of 2010. Although he never won a title in the league, he was — for a time — one of its signature offensive frontcourt pieces.

These days, Boozer would have had to add a 3-point shoot to his scoring repertoire, but in his prime he notched most of his buckets closer to the rack.

During a new conversation with The Athletic's Tony Jones, Boozer talked about his fresh behind-the-scenes role with his old team.

As the Utah Jazz gear up for draft night, Carlos Boozer and Avery Bradley have been behind the scenes evaluating talent. Find out why they have been essential to Utah's front office, here. Please read - https://t.co/kblWtYwLKh
— Tony Jones (@Tjonesonthenba) June 25, 2025

“This place has really transformed,” Boozer said. “You see the kitchen over there? That used to be our weight room. This has been fun. It’s been a long time coming. I love that I’m back, and it’s a huge honor to be working for the Jazz. It’s a little different to be on this side."

As Jones writes, Boozer was overlooked in the 2002 NBA draft. The 6-foot-9 big man was considered less athletic than opposing power forwards, and became a diamond in the rough as the No. 35 pick in the second round.

“But, I want to do my part to build this team back up to being a contender, because that’s where this franchise belongs. I love this fan base and this town. It reminds me of my hometown in Alaska. So, this has been a huge honor, and it’s brought back so many memories.”

Boozer made a pair of All-Star teams with Utah in 2007 and '08, and helped pushed the Jazz to the 2007 Western Conference Finals.

This year, the Jazz have the draft's Nos. 5, 21, 43 and 53 picks. Utah finished 17-65 last season, and although the club boasts plenty of raw talent, it clearly has a ways to go to return to contention.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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