What Every Miami Heat Player is Thankful For

Nov 16, 2014; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Heat center Chris Bosh (1) misses a dunk as Milwaukee Bucks center Zaza Pachulia (27) grabs the rebound and forward Chris Andersen (11) looks on in the second half at American Airlines Arena. The Bucks won 91-84. Mandatory Credit: Robert Mayer-USA TODAY Sports

Chris Andersen

The Birdman is thankful for loyalty. The Miami Heat signed Bird to a two-year deal that pays him upwards of $5 million a year. Already this season, Andersen has lost a step and a few inches on his bounce. Simply put, he looks like a 36-year-old center. He’s probably not worth that $5 million now, but after playing on a tiny deal the last couple of seasons this will be his make-up contract.

He may not be thankful for Hassan Whiteside, who could eat up some of his minutes once he gets acclimated later in the season.

Chris Bosh

Chris Bosh is thankful for a lack of pressure. He’s comfortable in Miami and being the lead dog once again. Bosh has more 20-point games than anyone else in the NBA and is a model of consistency. He’s a constant triple-threat to shoot, drive or pass and he’s doing all of it consistently.

He’s averaging more points and rebounds per 100 possessions than he ever has in Miami, shooting 36.5 percent from the 3-point line and his usage rate is the highest it’s ever been. Check out his per 100 possession stats this year compared to what he did his final season in Toronto.

2014-15: 32.4 PTS, 13.3 REB, 3.8 AST, 1.6 STL, 1.1 BLK

2009-10: 34.3 PTS, 15.5 REB, 3.4 AST, 0.9 STL, 1.4 BLK

*via basketball-reference.com

And, according to NBA.com/Stats, has a defensive rating of 106.4 in 2014-15 compared to 109.7 in 2009-10.

Basically, Bosh has reclaimed the offensive production of his All-Star years in Toronto while maintaining the defense he developed in Miami.