Yet to be medically cleared, Chris Bosh says he's 'ready' to return to the Heat
Chris Bosh has missed the final chunk of the last two NBA regular seasons due to complications from blood clots. He has worked doggedly throughout both the 2016 offseason and what should have been his seventh postseason to put himself in a position that would force team doctors into letting Bosh play to start the 2016-17 campaign, but the Heat (who are on the hook for Bosh’s $23.7 million salary this year whether he plays or not) have remained nearly mum on the subject of clearing Bosh to return – fearful that his condition could endanger their All-Star.
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In a discussion with the Open Run podcast, as transcribed by Mike Prada at SB Nation, Bosh for the first time dove on record to commit to the idea that he is absolutely ready to come back to the court this season. No more workout videos and quick hints, the 32-year old is set to work on official terms:
“We’ve been talking about it for a long time. We released a statement back in May saying as soon as I’m ready to play as soon as possible, we’ll play. And I’m ready. I’ve done all work. I’ve done what I need to do working with the doctors. Especially with [Miami Heat owner] Micky Arison saying, ‘Hey, see you at camp.’ So I think it’s moving forward. I have no reason to believe that it’s not. And you know, we’ll finish this.”
The joint statement that Chris and the Heat released last spring was discussed here. Bosh also referenced the cheery tweet that Micky Arison sent out on the final day of August …
Looking good CB @chrisbosh look forward to seeing in camp???? https://t.co/zR9uI6emqr
— Micky Arison (@MickyArison) August 31, 2016
… one we talked about at length, especially in the wake of Heat president Pat Riley’s cautious approach to the return of his star. Riley, fearful of the two-time champion’s health, has called Bosh’s recovery prospects “fluid.”
All that’s left, as we assumed heading into the offseason and as we’re faced with it as it wraps up, is the Heat clearing Bosh (who averaged 19.1 points and 7.4 rebounds in 34 minutes a game last season) to play on a series of blood thinners that in theory could both aid in his staving off of the blood clots while dissipating before game time during the evening.
“I’ve made it clear from the jump if I’m ready to play I want to play. Will I be cleared? I don’t know. That’s out of my hands. I will play basketball in the NBA. I’m confident.”
The Heat’s training camp starts Sept. 27, in the Bahamas. It’s a camp that Udonis Haslem, the Miami franchise’s all-time leading rebounder, expects his longtime teammate to be a part of. From the Miami Herald:
“As far as timetable when he’s on the floor, I’m not sure about that,” Haslem said on the night he was inducted into the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce Sports Hall of Champions at Marlins Park. “I haven’t really gotten into the medical part of it. I’m definitely expecting him to be at camp and to be participating. I’m not sure if it will be full contact or by himself or if he needs me to work extra with him or whatever the situation may be, but I’m expecting him to be there.
“Chris’ timetable is just a little bit different than everybody else, so we have to be mindful.”
Indeed, as has been the case since last winter.
The pertinent issue, with less than a fortnight to go before the start of camp, is timing. And the Heat’s dwindling supply of pace and space to take advantage of.
The team, and its medical staff, will have to make a decision soon. And they’re well aware that any impediment they place in front of Chris Bosh’s full and functional comeback as an NBA pro will be met with a fight from the man himself.
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Kelly Dwyer is an editor for Ball Don’t Lie on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at KDonhoops@yahoo.com or follow him on Twitter!
