Chris Bosh Injury Update: Heat Announce Star Will Miss Remainder of Playoffs
The Miami Heat announced Wednesday that power forward Chris Bosh will miss the remainder of the 2016 NBA playoffs.
The Heat posted a statement about the decision on their official Twitter account:
Teammate Dwyane Wade commented on the news, per Brian Windhorst of ESPN.com, "I feel for him, and that makes me not want to take any of these moments for granted. When you have one of my best friends not able to be out there, and he's doing an amazing job being a great teammate, but I'm sure it's killing him not to be out there."
The Heat scored an overtime victory over the Toronto Raptors on Tuesday night to take a 1-0 lead in their second-round series. Making the announcement now, when the team could still have several weeks of basketball left, suggests the front office doesn't believe he's close to returning.
It could also be an attempt by Miami to alleviate some of the lingering concerns since Ira Winderman of the Sun Sentinel reported Bosh was dealing with a second blood clot issue that forced him to miss the All-Star Game back in February.
Adrian Wojnarowski of The Vertical reported shortly after news of the health setback surfaced that Bosh was feeling "increasing pressure" from the Heat and doctors to sit out the rest of the season. Their apprehension stemmed from "potential dangers of a recurring medical condition."
The 32-year-old veteran, who also dealt with blood clots last season, downplayed the circumstances and set his sights on returning to the court this season. Michael Singer of USA Today passed along a statement from Bosh about his status in March:
"I know there have been many questions regarding my health and when I will play again. My situation this year has never been life threatening. I am feeling great and currently do not have deep vein thrombosis. Together with the [Heat] I am working with doctors, exploring the best precautionary treatment options, and taking every necessary step to make sure I'm healthy for myself, my family and my team. … I remain positive that I will be able to return this season.
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Ethan J. Skolnick and Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald reported last month that Bosh started traveling to Heat games, but questions surrounding his status persisted. Sources told the outlet he didn't plan to retire, but the sides "have not all been aligned in terms of the treatment of his condition."
Meanwhile, the National Basketball Players Association requested a meeting with the Heat on Tuesday in hopes of finding a common-ground solution, per Brian Windhorst of ESPN.com.
Bosh's health remains the most important factor in play. Even though he expressed his desire to return, the lingering question is whether there is a solution that won't put him at risk. Miami put an end to that discussion with its announcement Wednesday.
His long-term availability must still be determined. He's under contract with Miami for three more seasons, according to Spotrac. That's something both parties can address during the offseason, though.
