(Carlos) Boozer, maligned throughout the Bulls’ run to last season’s Eastern Conference finals as he battled a sore right big toe, has heard the criticism. And in a phone conversation from his offseason home in Miami on Tuesday morning, the former All-Star forward basically said bring it on.

“It motivates me,” Boozer said. “First of all, I have high expectations for myself. I’m going to play a lot better than I played last season. The injury with the hand (in training camp) set me back. Then I thought I played well for a month or two. And then I had more injuries.

“Regardless, I will push myself to play better and help my team win. The winning part of it was good last year. We had a great season. But I can play better. And I take criticism head on. I want people to appreciate my game. And I want to be worthy of that appreciation.”

via K.C. Johnson of the Chicago Tribune