Chris Bosh: 2014-15 Season Outlook
After a crushing 4-1 defeat in the NBA Finals, the Miami Heat are looking to rebound this season.
After losing out on the LeBron James sweepstakes, Riley quickly put his attention towards signing Chris Bosh. After receiving a max-contract offer (4 years, $88 MM) from the Houston Rockets, it looked as if Bosh was moving on to greener pastures.
That was until Pat Riley worked his magic. On July 11th, Riley signed the nine-time All-Star to a five-year, $118 million dollar deal. Many thought that Bosh would be willing to take a pay-cut, but once James left, it seemed he had his heart set on a lucrative deal.
The Heat were also able to retain fan-favorite Dwyane Wade, but the days of Wade being a first-option are long gone. That being said, Riley resigned Bosh to be the top-dog and not the third-wheel he was labeled as during “The Big Three” era.
Let’s take a look back at Bosh’s stats during the 2009-10 season, where he was the first-option in Toronto.
24.0 points, 10.8 rebounds, 2.4 assists and one block per game. Bosh shot close to 17 shots per game in 2009, that number dropped significantly when he left for South Beach. Last season, Bosh only shot the ball 12.1 times per game, his lowest since his rookie year.
Long story, short; Bosh needs more touches to be more effective and I think Spoelstra is going to make him a big deal in Miami’s offense this year.
Stat Projections/Season Outlook
Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports
- 24.5 points, 8.7 rebounds, 2.3 assists, 1.2 blocks per game
- 54 FG%, 34 3P%, 82 FT%
- 2014-15 All-NBA Second Team
Believe me when I say this, Bosh is going to have his best season of his career. Bosh will be able to shoot with more confidence now knowing he’ll be able to be more of a volume shooter. He’ll live off pick and rolls and pick and pops; playing off of Dwyane Wade and Mario Chalmers’ drive and dish skills.
No more standing in the corner, waiting for LeBron to pass him the ball.
Bosh will have a more active and efficient role on the floor. He will be asked to become a better rebounder now that LeBron, who led the team in rebounding, is gone.
Expect a spike in his field goal percentage due to the fact that he’ll be shooting more of his shots closer to the rim. Remember that Bosh didn’t really shoot the three at a high-clip in Toronto, so with that added to his game, he’s scary as a first-option. Teams will have to build their defensive game-plan around him, not LeBron or D-Wade.
The biggest surprise? Bosh makes All-NBA Second Team for the second time in his career and will be considered for the Most Improved Player Award. This is a Bosh we haven’t seen since 2009, a finesse, do-it-all big-man that can rebound efficiently.
Here’s some Chris Bosh highlights from back in the day. Maybe it’ll spark memories; however, those memories will reoccur this coming season. Heat Nation, there’s a lot to be excited about for this upcoming season!
(Music NSFW)
Disagree with my projections? Leave a comment below or tweet me @blaine_hunkins3!