A healthy Chris Bosh is the Miami Heat’s x-factor
By Simon Smith
A healthy Chris Bosh makes everyone else on the Miami Heat better.
If all things go to plan, the Miami Heat should have a more than competitive lineup come the opening tip of the 2016-17 season, but it all depends on the status of all-star forward Chris Bosh.
Bosh, who has missed the second half of each of the past two seasons due to recurring blood clots, is as Pat Riley described the “x-factor”.
Riley said during his press conference that it is too hard to predict his status for opening night. Bosh is working out and therefore intending on starting the season, but whether he will or not is anyone’s guess at this point.
Assuming the best and Bosh does begin the season playing, the Heat’s starting lineup would most likely be: Goran Dragic, Josh Richardson, Justise Winslow, Chris Bosh and Hassan Whiteside.
Dragic will be fully handed the reins now with the recent departure of Dwyane Wade. Riley alluded to the Heat picking up the pace and changing the tempo on offense, and with Dragic being somewhat handcuffed since arriving in Miami due to the presence of Wade, this should suit Dragic and could potentially see a return to the form which earned him All-NBA third team honors in the 2013-14 season. Whilst Wade will be greatly missed and is in many ways irreplaceable, in terms of Dragic’s production and confidence, it definitely could be a case of addition by subtraction.
On offense, Bosh and Dragic are an excellent pick-and-roll, pick-and-pop duo–a staple in many modern day NBA offenses. Bosh’s versatility and ability to both hit the three-point shot and drive to the basket as a seven-footer would be welcome on any team. His ability to space the floor should ensure there will be enough room for Whiteside to either catch lobs or work his opponent in the low post, where he can utilize his incredible combination of size and athleticism.
Without Bosh, however, the Heat are looking at some combination of Derrick Williams, Josh McRoberts and James Johnson to fill the void at the 4. Whilst all of them do something well, none of them are nearly the all-around player Bosh is.
more: What is going on with Chris Bosh?
Bosh is clearly the x-factor. If he indeed does play and remains healthy for the entire season, a return to the playoffs would seem likely for the Heat. If he is again unable to suit up, Miami could be drafting his replacement in the lottery next summer.