Top 5 Miami Heat Power Forwards of All Time
By Ehsan Kassim
1. Chris Bosh (2010-Present)
Jan 16, 2015; Sacramento, CA, USA; Miami Heat center Chris Bosh (1) as a timeout is called after making a basket against the Sacramento Kings during the third quarter at Sleep Train Arena. The Miami Heat defeated the Sacramento Kings 95-83. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
There is little question that Chris Bosh has been the best power forward in Miami Heat history. His star talent is a rare treat and Heat fans, for the most part, have enjoyed watching Bosh play in Miami. Bosh has been a huge piece for the Heat and who knows what could have been last season had it not been for his health issues.
Bosh went one pick ahead of Dwyane Wade in the 2003 draft, going fourth overall to the Toronto Raptors. It’s doubtful at the time of the pick that either he or Wade could have imagined pairing up in Miami to put together a historic 4-year run they had with LeBron.
More than any of the other big 3, Bosh had to make the biggest adjustment to his game when coming to Miami, as he saw the ball a lot less. He adapted his game to include a 3-point shot and improved his defense to an elite level while having less of an offensive burden playing with Dwyane Wade and LeBron James.
Bosh has averaged 17.8 points and 7.3 rebound per game in his 5-year Heat career. He averaged 20.2 points and 9.4 rebounds in his time with the Raptors.
However, Bosh has grown as a defender and has been a more efficient player in Miami, especially with the added 3-point shot.
Bosh was almost a goner last off-season before Pat Riley and owner Mickey Arison dug deep into their pockets and gave him a max contract to sign in Miami. I argued at the time that Bosh was worth his contract, and more.
Chris Bosh’s season was ended abruptly last February as there was a blood clot discovered in one of his lungs. The hope is he’ll return to full strength this season and continue to solidify his spot as the best power forward in Heat history.