David Boozer

David Boozer, a retired architect from Anniston, Alabama, passed away this week while on vacation in the Dominican Republic.

He was born in 1913 to Melbourne, Amos Boozer and Mattie Pearl Boozer and had 11 siblings.

Early Life and Education

David Boozer was born on July 6, 1938 in Columbia, South Carolina to John G. Boozer Jr. and Zela Caughman Boozer.

He played college baseball at Wofford College in Spartanburg, South Carolina and led the team in strikeouts during his freshman season.

After graduating college, he signed with the Philadelphia Phillies. He pitched for their minor-league affiliates – the Brunswick Phillies and Tampa Tarpons – between 1959 and 1960.

He was assigned to the Chattanooga Lookouts of the Southern Association in 1961 and went on to post a 19-9 record with a 2.61 ERA, leading his team in wins and innings pitched. Additionally, he earned himself an invitation to the Southern Association All-Star Game that year.

Professional Career

David Boozer was the number one pick in the 1959 NBA draft after earning All-America honors during his junior and senior years at Kansas State. Additionally, he contributed to America’s gold medal performance at the 1960 Olympics by scoring 6.8 points per game over eight matches.

He had a 13-year professional career, playing for the Cleveland Cavaliers, Chicago Bulls and Los Angeles Lakers. During this time he earned two NBA All-Star selections and was part of the 2008 Olympic team. Throughout 861 games he scored 13,976 points while pulling down 8,192 rebounds.

Achievement and Honors

David Boozer is one of the greatest basketball players ever to step on the court. Throughout his career, he appeared in over 1,500 games and earned two NBA All-Star selections.

His best season came during 2009-10, when he averaged 20.0 points and 12.4 rebounds per game while playing in 78 games. Additionally, he made all 17 of the Jazz playoff games that season as they made it to the Western Conference finals.

He was awarded several accolades during his time in the NBA. Notable among them are twice winning both the NBA’s most valuable player award and being named their most improved player – both honors he won once.

Personal Life

David Boozer achieved many personal successes and triumphs throughout his life, one of them being his successful career as a professional basketball player.

He played on the gold-medal winning 1960 Olympic team and went on to represent Canada professionally with six different teams. Additionally, he served as a delegate to the National Collegiate Athletic Association for four years.

David Boozer was passionate about building bridges and understanding people of all backgrounds. He made a lasting impact on children’s lives, particularly by working with at-risk youth.

On March 13th, 2007, Jewell Robinson Boozer passed away. Survived by two daughters and son-in-law; four grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren, he is predeceased by his mother and sister.

Net Worth

Boozer’s net worth is estimated to be an impressive $65 million, which is no small feat considering his remarkable basketball success.

Boozer began his NBA career with the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2002, before joining LeBron James to form the Utah Jazz. While in Salt Lake City, Boozer earned himself two trips to All-Star status and established himself as one of the league’s premier power forwards.

He was released from the Jazz and signed with the Chicago Bulls, joining Kobe Bryant for five seasons. Later, he joined Kobe’s team at Los Angeles Lakers for some time before embarking on his basketball journey in China with Guangdong Southern Tigers for his final years on earth.