Player evaluation: Calvin Booth

by Mike Prada on May 21, 2007 6:26 PM EDT in Player Analysis

In an era defined by the exploding market for mediocre big men (which I move to coin the Jim McIlvaine era), Calvin Booth was one of the first centers to be significantly overpaid after signing a ridiculous contract with Seattle after the 2001 season. He's still reaping the benefits of that contract, albeit not from the Wizards, who got him after Milwaukee dumped him with the amnesty clause. Since he's been here, Booth has been about what you'd expect. He's a serviceable third center that doesn't play much and isn't very good, but can fill in when absolutely necessary. He did so admirably at times this year, and even provided a little jolt of energy, particularly in the first Seattle game and the second Houston game (remember when Etan and Haywood both got hurt, and Booth hit that random three-pointer?).

Of course, he's incredibly limited as a player, and he is a free agent that will command around 1 million even if he signs for the minimum. But personally, I'd like to see him back. It's always nice to have a big guy at the end of your bench, and it's nicer to have it be a veteran whose been around this league. Booth also fits in well with the Wizards offensive scheme, and played pretty well when asked this year.

Plus, we might not see incredible videos like this one anymore if he's gone.

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Need to emphasize

That three-pointer was awesome. He looked left. He looked right. He said, "uh, sure, what the hell!" Net...

Yeah, he's an unimpressive big witha good attitude. If there's room under the cap, I say keep him.

by sierradave on May 21, 2007 9:00 PM EDT reply actions

A blind man could've seen this coming

As for actually keeping Booth, I feel the same that I do for Donnell. I could take him or I could leave him, he'd be nice to keep around but there are many centers out there that could more or less do the same thing, aside from the treys.

Why would I endorse the hibachi grill when I am the hibachi grill?

by Jake Whitacre on May 21, 2007 11:02 PM EDT up reply actions

Take him or leave him

Calvin is a stiff who is happy just getting into the game every so often. He doesn't bring too much to the table, but you gotta admit there are very few time this year when you've said "Dammit, they're putting Booth in!"

At the same time, there are plenty of players out there who are younger (Calvin's 31) with more upside who could be available through the draft or around the league, ala Mikki Moore this year.

So I could go either way with Calvin.

by mamemimo on May 22, 2007 12:37 PM EDT reply actions