The Miami Heat have been surviving without Chris Bosh since the All-Star break. The center has been out with a blood clot in his calf muscle. Last year, a blood clot in his lungs ended his season early, and there was fear that might happen again as Bosh's health is the top priority. However, Bosh made it clear Thursday he intends to get back on the court again this season, but the Heat feel no pressure to rush the return.
Bosh released a statement announcing that he was no longer dealing with a blood clot in his leg and he felt confident that a return this season was in the picture. That is good news for the Heat who remain in the playoff picture. Bosh did not give a timetable for when he expects to come back to the court. The center will continue to work out and get healthy as head coach Erik Spoelstra and Bosh's teammates made it clear that Bosh cannot be replaced.
"You can't replace Chris," Heat guard Dwyane Wade said. "And we're not trying to replace Chris."
The Heat will not rush the return of Bosh just because he stated he is healthy. The Heat are 8-3 since the All-Star break with the fourth-best record in the NBA right now. They acquired Joe Johnson after the trade deadline who has been thriving at the small forward position while Luol Deng fills in for Bosh at power forward. That has been working well for Miami, meaning they do not need Bosh to push himself to get back.
The Heat have not made a comment regarding Bosh's statement which was released by his publicist and not the team. Bosh remains eligible for Miami's playoff roster. The biggest question the franchise could be faced with is whether or not Bosh can truly resume his career and be the same player he was before the injury. The All-Star signed a five-year, $118 million deal in 2014. He will earn $76 million over the next three years. That is a big commitment to have for someone that may or may not be able to play.
For now, Bosh is focused on the short-term and getting back for the playoffs. There is no doubt Miami would welcome his presence for the postseason as it would give the team much needed depth with injuries having been an issue this year. Bosh said in his statement that he continues to work with team doctors to figure out the proper next steps as he aims to get healthy quickly.
"Together with the Miami Heat, I am working with doctors, exploring the best precautionary treatment options and taking every necessary step to make sure I am healthy for myself, my family and my team," Bosh said. "I have been working out, training with the team, watching film of the games, walking through plays and have attended home games despite not being visible to the public."
