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Buyer's Guide: Carlos Boozer

Carlos Boozer is coveted partly because he could thrive in a deferential role next to a superstar. Getty Images

For the next few weeks, ESPN Insider will be analyzing NBA free agents not named LeBron James (we covered him pretty extensively a few weeks ago, and there's always the LeBron Tracker). On Wednesday, we discussed the market on Chris Bosh. Next up: Carlos Boozer. To follow the entire series, click here.

Overall Assessment

Don't feel the need to correct anyone who slips and mistakenly calls the Duke alumnus Carlos "Bruiser." That's actually an apt nickname that works on two levels: Not only does Carlos Boozer punish opponents physically, he also tends to get himself hurt -- a lot.

The big question surrounding Boozer this summer will be his durability going forward. The 28-year-old's career has been littered with a variety of leg injuries. All told, he's been placed on the injured list seven times since he arrived in Utah six years ago, and he underwent arthroscopic surgery on his left knee just 19 months ago.

So will teams be willing to stomach the risk that comes with signing Boozer?