Envisioning Chris Bosh Back in Toronto Raptors Uniform
With Chris Bosh’s career potentially nearing an end, we draw a picture of what the two-time champion could bring to the Raptors in the advent of a return home.
With Chris Bosh’s blood clot concerns recurring recently, the fate of his career is at risk. Though the Heat have confirmed that they will no longer retain Bosh in their roster, this does not mean his career is over. The eleven-time all-star will most likely attempt to battle through his health problems and continue to prosper in the NBA. Now that his career is up in the air, let’s take a look at what Chris Bosh could bring to the Toronto Raptors if he ever decided to come back to play for the city that drafted him in 2003.
Finally, a solution to the power forward dilemma
The Raptors haven’t had a skilled power forward since Bosh himself. Not only is a healthy Bosh (I repeat: healthy) an upgrade at the power forward position, but a significant improvement in the dynamics of the team’s offense and defense. Just last season, the two-time champion averaged 19.1 points through 53 games on a 51% two-point field goal shooting. Combining his efficient mid-range game with his athletic defense; Bosh’s versatility on both ends of the floor would answer all of the Raptors’ needs.
Title winning experience
With the exception of Corey Joseph, the Raptors don’t have a player who’s performed even once in the NBA Finals, the biggest stage in basketball, let alone four times. If a rematch of the 2016 Eastern Conference finals were to happen, the Raptors would greatly benefit from Bosh’s leadership and championship experience. It’s clear that, throughout his career, Bosh has often made the big plays. Whether it’s a game-winning three, a game-saving block, or, even a key offensive rebound (sometimes leading to one of the most important shots in NBA history), Bosh can be a certified closer, which is something the Raptors desperately need. Suddenly, a 56 win season seems repeatable; a frustrating seven-game playoff series becomes a six-game close-out; and a conference finals against the Cavaliers turns less predictable.
He’s one of our own
With Chris Bosh leaving Toronto in 2010, Raptors fans were more than tired of losing their stars. While it’s no surprise that basketball fans love seeing star players go back home after an accomplished career; the Raptors haven’t had this privilege despite the number of all-stars they gave birth to. Bosh is from Dallas, and has a great deal of pride for his family and where it originates; anyone to mock or question this facet of his life can hear it from the man himself (ask former Skip Bayless of ESPN). Nonetheless, the Raptors remain the team which drafted him and followed him while he made his stardom in the NBA for seven years; Bosh has expressed on multiple occasions the fond memories he has of Toronto.
Seeing that Goran Dragic was recently rumored to be on the trading block, Bosh could likely find himself in the same situation. Miami has already used their amnesty and must wait for the five year mark of the CBA to pass. Not having this option available means that Bosh could be dealt through trade or amnesty following a possible renewing of the CBA. Considering Toronto is a team with limited financial flexibility, any method used to acquire Chris Bosh would significantly impact the team’s budget and/or roster.
With two championships, four finals appearances and 13 years in the NBA now under his belt, I truly believe Bosh is the type of accomplished veteran the Raptors need to become a more threatening contender in the playoffs. Where and if Bosh plays this season remains a question. For now, the Heat have clearly expressed that Bosh will likely not be part of the team’s future plans.
What do you think? In what circumstances would you welcome back CB4 with open arms?
All stats provided by http://www.basketball-reference.com/ unless stated otherwise.