Amidst all of their offseason drama, the Miami Heat are still also dealing with the issue of Chris Bosh’s future.
The Miami Heat have had an…interesting, offseason.
Sure, fans were curious whether or not Hassan Whiteside would re-sign with the team. And yes, there was the possibility that president Pat Riley would land his “whale,” Kevin Durant.
But it is safe to say Heat Nation did not expect the organization to have this kind of a summer. The kind that shakes an organization forever. Where the face of the franchise leaves after 13 years. And a culture revolving around the notion of #HeatLyfer, now focuses on developing youth.
And unfortunately, there may be another Heat-changing event in the team’s future.
Specifically, regarding what is going on with forward Chris Bosh.
Bosh, who fell victim to a second blood clot this past season, has not been able to play since before NBA All-Star Weekend 2016.
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And while buzz around his situation quieted down while Miami fought for a place in the Eastern Conference Finals and thereafter dealt with a chaotic start to free agency, now the spotlight is back on Bosh.
But unfortunately, it seems nothing is any clearer now, than before. When asked of the veteran’s condition this past weekend, Riley said:
"“It’s a positive environment right now with Chris. I think his doctors and our doctors are constantly, or moreso now than ever, communicating. I know what Chris wants. I know he wants to play. And obviously we would be open to that, but this is still a very fluid situation.”"
Riley further elaborated though, with only the resolve of giving the public more answers, in time.
"“I can’t speak medically about this thing. I can only speak from a basketball standpoint. He’s been working out and will probably continue to work out. From a basketball standpoint, is it complicated? It’s only complicated based on the information we would get back from our doctors if there’s ever a moment of truth, whether it’s yes or no.From the standpoint of today, it’s moving forward of down that road of him playing. He wants to play. We’re open to helping him get there. That’s all I can say. It’s a sensitive, complicated situation that I can’t speak to medically. From a basketball standpoint, I’ve been told we’ve been put on hold. Losing him after the All-Star break, both years in a row, you never know what you have or what you could have done. That’s what kills me. We put together a good team right when LJ left. We never had an opportunity to see it at its full.We should just wait until August or September. I think we’ll have a lot more information then. Chris is an X factor here.”"
Obviously, this is not an issue that should be taken lightly. So in a way, the amount of confusion surrounding the topic only seems right.
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Because there are many contradicting factors, in determining if he should be allowed to play again. For someone who has thrown two clots out of the blue, not being on blood thinners is certainly a risk. But of course playing on them, is not an option. Similarly, the physical demand of the game could cause him to throw yet another clot. Or not.
But one has to wonder what the turning point to this decision will be.
Are Bosh and his doctors waiting until he finishes his second course of treatment, to re-assess the situation? Probably. After all, there is a recommended period of time for someone to be on thinners, after throwing a clot, before making a lifetime plan moving forward.
However, could the front office possibly be trying to figure out the logistics of medically retiring and therefore voiding his contract? Absolutely. Even if it is not what they want to do, they certainly have to explore the option.
Because if the 32-year-old does indeed have to retire, the Heat will have his contract taken off of the books. That means that while the team’s insurance will go on to pay Bosh, Miami will have $26 million in salary, to spend elsewhere.
It is unfortunate that after six months, Heat Nation is no closer to knowing what Bosh’s future will hold. But in that frustration, remember that it is so much worse for both the organization and Bosh himself.
must read: Pat Riley: The Miami Heat will compete for the playoffs
More in August or September, it seems…