The End of an Era: Chris Bosh and the Imminent End of His Monumental Career

On June 2nd, medical officials from both the NBA and the Player’s Union examined the illness that left Chris Bosh out for the entirety of the 2016-17 season and determined that the illness is in fact career ending for the All-Star Forward/Center.  Bosh has been dealing with the blood clot inducing illness since the 2014-2015 season, and since then he has only played in a total of 97 games.  After failing his mandatory physical before last season, it appeared that Bosh’s career may be coming to an early end, but with the latest ruling by the NBA affiliated medical officials, it is almost certain that Chris Bosh will never play another minute in the NBA.

Fortunately, Bosh’s illness is not life threatening.  However, failing both the physical and the further examination into his illness means that the process to return to playing in the NBA, if Chris Bosh chooses to pursue it, will be strenuous to say the least.  According to Heat reporter, Ira Winderman, Bosh does not qualify for the re-entry rules stated under the new NBA Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), which states that starting July 1st, players who have not been cleared to play (like Bosh) can attempt to return to the league after waiting 9 months after the ruling by the medical officials has been made.  Since Bosh is being governed by the old rules under the current CBA, he will have to meet with the same medical officials panel who originally ruled his condition as a career ending illness to prove to them that there are significant changes, like medical advancements or improvements in Bosh’s health, that would require a new evaluation.  

After convincing officials that he is physically able to play, Bosh will face what is arguably the hardest part of the process to return to the court, finding a franchise to pick up his $52 million remaining on his contract (that is, of course, if the Heat waive Bosh and another franchise claims him).  Chris Bosh is an expensive asset, and with the uncertainty of his physical health, even if he finds a way to be cleared to play again, and due to the fact that the league is moving towards a more face-paced, small ball style of play, the amount of realistic opportunities that Bosh himself will have to play for another franchise are slim to none.  

This abrupt and likely end to his career is truly unfortunate, as Bosh consistently proved why he was one of the greatest big men in modern NBA history.  Being an 11x All-Star (2006-2016), back-to-back NBA Champ with the Miami Heat, and winning a gold medal for the United States at the 2008 Beijing Summer Olympics, Bosh’s accolades were a shining example of his excellence during his career playing for the Heat, Raptors, and the US Olympic Men’s Basketball team.  His ability to be a prolific scorer from anywhere on the court (proven by his career FG% and 3P% of 49.4% and 33.5%, which is impressive for a player of his size) combined with his efficiency on defense in the paint pushed Bosh to become an accomplished All-Star for most of his career.

Even if Chris Bosh is forced to retire from the NBA, he still has multiple milestones and opportunities to look forward to.  For starters, it appears that Turner Cable has already been in talks with Bosh about joining the likes of Shaq, Barkley, Garnett, and others as another former player to become an NBA analyst for TNT.  Bosh saw some air time this past season on TNT’s “Player’s Only” alongside other former big men greats, like Chris Webber and Richard Hamilton, and his performance might land him a full time position at the network.  Along with this, there is a chance that Chris Bosh could see himself inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.  Bosh’s career, while impressive, isn’t necessarily historic like those of current Hall of Famers like Hakeem Olajuwon, Julius Erving, Patrick Ewing, etc.  However, with Yao Ming’s induction into the Hall of Fame last year alongside Shaquille O’Neal and Allen Iverson, it appears that Bosh’s chances maybe higher than originally thought.  Personally, I think that Chris Bosh’s career is more impressive than the likes of Pete Maravich and Alonzo Mourning (and Bosh’s accomplishments outweigh those of either Maravich or Mourning), so by default, Bosh should be inducted into the Hall of Fame.  However, it still is somewhat of a longshot, and the class of players eligible for induction will greatly affect Bosh’s chances, but it is without a doubt possible nonetheless.

As of today, Chris Bosh has not stated that he will retire from the NBA.  According to multiple press statements by the Forward/Center himself, he is still actively pursuing a return to the league despite the long road ahead.  In fact, Bosh has posted multiple times in the past year footage from private workouts via his snapchat (@mrchrisbosh) which showcase his determination to return to the NBA.  Even if his career officially ended tomorrow, Chris Bosh would be recognized as one of the most prominent big men from the 2000s and early 2010s, and possibly a Hall of Famer.  His impact on the Heat franchise alone, let alone the league, was monumental, through his key role in winning two of the three NBA Championships in Miami franchise history.  Chris Bosh has a handful of positive options ahead of him, and I’m sure that with whatever path he chooses, he will find success in his work.  

Written by Erik Clark, @_erikclark