5 Reasons Chris Bosh Deserves an Expanded Role on Offense for Miami Heat

Say what you want about how soft Chris Bosh is, but he is still one of the best power forwards in the NBA. If the Miami Heat want to celebrate winning a championship in 2011-12, they have to learn to involve Bosh in the offense.

In his combined time with the Toronto Raptors and Miami Heat, Bosh has managed to make six All-Star appearances while averaging 20 points a game for his career. He can score efficiently from anywhere on the floor, shooting 49 percent, and also knocks down a solid 80 percent of his free throws.

Not many players his size have the offensive talent of Chris Bosh, but he didn't get to showcase it enough last year for most fans to tell.

We expected Bosh to have a drop in numbers and production, however, he still managed to get tagged as overrated.

With the correct role in Miami's offense, Bosh can shed that title and help the Heat bring home the second championship in franchise history.

He Can Be a Go-to Guy

So what do you do if LeBron and Wade are struggling offensively in a game? Well, let's not forget about the multiple-time All-Star Miami has besides the dynamic duo.

Chris Bosh never received many touches in big situations, but it has to be a comfort to know that he is a possible option if all else fails. He is a rather streaky scorer, but when he's hot, can absolutely demolish a defense.

If not for the lack of help in Toronto, Bosh could have led the Raptors deeper into the playoffs with his ability to take over a game. Now that he is surrounded by two stars in Miami, there is no question he can show off his true talents in clutch situations.

Even if Wade is scoring with high efficiency and LeBron is doing his normal thing, Bosh can still step up and give Miami the needed boost to pick apart other contenders.

Solid Mid-Range Game

It's not far-fetched to say that Chris Bosh has the most effective mid-range jump shot out of any Miami Heat player. Not only that, but he hits it with nice consistency.

Giving Bosh the ball around the foul line would be one of the most dangerous options that Miami has. Once he gets the ball, he's a threat to find a cutting teammate for an easy score, pop an open jumper or even drive past a slower defender, given the opportunity.

Essentially, yes, he can be a master of the triple-threat position.

Bosh relied on his mid-range game a lot during his touches in 2010-11. Rightfully so. Considering he has a rather versatile offensive attack, he can be devastating to an opposing defense if he finds his zone.

Quickness for His Size Is a Factor

There are plenty of great power forwards in the NBA, both young and old. However, Bosh is in his prime and possesses a great quickness for his size.

While not being the most physically intimidating player around, Bosh has a knack for finding his way inside for a forceful finish. If he doesn't blow by you, he can create enough space and comfort to open up for a jump shot.

Slower defenders are often put in foul trouble trying to guard Bosh, making him a player you must pay plenty of attention to at any given time.

Most power forwards can barrel through defenders, but Bosh is a nice finesse option who really opens up a lot for himself given his quickness.

Inside Presence

Let's be honest, here Miami fans: The Heat do not have any players who pose an every-play threat in the paint. That being said, Bosh is the best option to do so as of now.

While James and Wade have the ability and poise to get inside at any given moment, they are not primary options to set up plays for inside.

Bosh is an underrated post player at times and could really provide Miami with a necessary threat.

Miami is likely to pursue some options to give Bosh a complementary piece in the frontcourt, but not many available players are dangerous scorers. Most of the free-agent options are veteran presences who will be used for defensive purposes with little offensive involvement.

Don't look for the Heat to find an answer for a post threat via free agency. Instead, they must use Bosh more to open up his offensive arsenal.

Dwyane Wade and LeBron James Can't Do It Alone

They are two of the top three players in the NBA, along with having the athleticism and skill sets to be Hall of Famers, but to win a championship, they must involve the third star of the "Big Three."

Bosh has a salary that virtually matches that of James and Wade, but his importance has not lived up to it. While often considered a third wheel by many critics, Bosh does have what it takes to propel the Miami Heat to greater things.

After a promising showing in the NBA Playoffs, the Heat eventually faltered when it mattered most in the finals. A lot factored into just why Miami was unsuccessful in the big dance, but with little tweaks, expect them to get back.

Bosh seemed out of his element when it mattered most, shooting a sub-par 42 percent from the field, but still looked misused when he got his chances.

Miami must find a way to insert Bosh into the offensive game plan effectively to have the ultimate success. He's not going to get the ball in the last seconds of the game in most cases, but he can certainly help widen a gap otherwise.

Perhaps running some specific plays for Bosh would give him the needed touches to be most effective?

Whatever it is, he can be the biggest difference-maker when it comes to Miami bringing a trophy home to South Beach.