Chris Bosh‘s medical issues have created a cloud of mystery heading into the Heat’s training camp next week. Bosh believes he’s ready to return to the court, while the team wrestles with the consequences of giving him the green light after two blood clotting episodes.
Bosh had his season cut short after 44 games two seasons ago when the medical condition initially surfaced. He made it through 53 games last season before a second blood clot was discovered in his leg.
At that time, team doctors told him that his career was probably over. Bosh has resisted that diagnosis, believing that the problem can be controlled by medication without significant risk. In recent years, the NHL’s Tomas Fleischmann has taken blood thinners that leave the body quickly and allow him to play and practice.
However, the team has not cleared him to play and as ESPN’s Brian Windhorst reported this week, the franchise is concerned about bringing him back over the long term. Bosh has threatened to get the NBA Players Association involved if the Heat continue to block his attempt to play again. According to another ESPN report, there is no timetable for a resolution.
There’s no question that the Heat look like a much more serious contender in the Eastern Conference with Bosh in uniform. He averaged 21.1 points and 7.0 rebounds in 2014/15 and 19.1 points and 7.4 rebounds last season.
Bosh’s $23.7MM takes a big chunk of the team’s salary cap and the team has already spent over the cap for the upcoming season. Miami’s unimposing options at power forward besides Bosh – Derrick Williams, James Johnson, Josh McRoberts and Stefan Jankovic – reinforce the notion that the Heat need Bosh in the lineup to become a viable playoff contender.
That leads us to our question(s) of the day: Should the Heat allow Chris Bosh to play again despite his blood-clotting issues? If so, do you think Bosh can make it through the season without any setbacks?
Take to the comments section below to share your thoughts and opinions on the topic. We look forward to what you have to say.
Nope