Carlos Boozer missed 44 games this season and also filed for divorce in March, so Utah's first round exit capped off a difficult year.

"A fresh start could be right here," Boozer said. "It doesn't have to be a new venue. Just for example with the playoffs, I felt like I had a fresh start to start the playoffs.

"I had to start my season over when the playoffs started and I felt great, obviously played well. Part of it was just getting past the knee surgery and getting past the knee problems and gaining strength and going on from there."

Boozer also was pressed about rumors that he is unhappy in Utah: "They didn't come from me. I can't control what other people say. All I can control is how I feel."