Chris Bosh pens open letter thanking Miami

Chris Bosh thanks the city and Miami Heat fans for being a “constant during a period of change in my life.”

With Chris Bosh being officially released, his Miami Heat career comes to end. He took some time to write a thoughtful letter, published on his website, to his fans and the city where he won two championships.

He reflects on the four children he had, all born in Miami, his first finals loss against the Mavericks and, of course, the medical condition that forced him off the court and, ultimately, off the team. He seems appreciative and humble, though, and ends his letter with a touching message to Heat fans.

"People will always see the trophies and banners and think that’s the whole story. But it’s only a piece, only a moment in time. I’ve learned that no matter what happens on the court, the game continues. Even when things changed for me and I couldn’t play, people still supported me and let me know what basketball in Miami meant for them. I truly cherish those encounters. Those good-luck chants or someone simply caring enough to ask about my health—they might seem like small gestures but they are some of my fondest memories.We went through life together, Miami. You showed me how to stay strong and push through in the toughest moments. And although I didn’t like it at the time, it made all the difference in the long run. It made me a better man, the person I am today. Thank you."

The letter is worth reading in full.

After being deemed medically unable to play by a doctor appointed by the Heat and the NBA, Bosh was waived earlier this summer using a exception that clears his salary from the Heat’s cap.

Bosh missed the second half of the 2014-15 season after being diagnosed with a blood clot on his lung. He was able to play the first half of the 2015-16 season before the same condition returned, sidelining him for the second half of that season and the playoffs. Bosh did not play at all during the 2016-17 season.

Next: Top 5 moments in Chris Bosh's career

During his time with the Heat, Bosh appeared in four NBA finals, winning two. His jersey number 1 will be retired by the organization.