When athletes suffer an injury, people don’t look at it as a big deal because most of the time their injuries are not career-threatening.
However, what happens when an athlete goes through such a traumatic event in his life that it could be classified as life-threatening? What happens if an athlete could no longer play the game that he loved?
For Chris Bosh of the Miami Heat, last year was one of the scariest times in his life because he had to not only miss playing the game that he loves, he had to go to the hospital for a significant amount of time getting treated for blood clots in his lungs. Missing out on half of an NBA season is one thing, but to miss time due to being in the hospital is a completely different story.
Thankfully Bosh has lamented that he’s 100 percent, and he’s better than ever. In fact, from the look of his play, he’s starting to reach the peak of his game. Looking for further back than the Christmas Day game where Bosh recorded 30 points and 10 rebounds it was safe to say that he’s been waiting to play in a high-profile game.
“In a matchup like that, I take it very seriously. Christmas Day against one of the best in the league,” Bosh said. “I’m going to rise to the occasion.”
Miami won the contest 94-88 and looked good against one of the premier players in the league, Anthony Davis.
Chris Bosh (30p & 10r) & Anthony Davis (29p & 15r) duel in @MiamiHEAT 94-88 OT victory! #NBAXmashttps://t.co/tX6irPmL0k
— NBA (@NBA) December 26, 2015
Athletes have to have the type of mental fortitude to bring their best game every night no matter what circumstances that have affected them. Most athletes haven’t had to go through an ordeal as difficult as Bosh did. Additionally, most athletes aren’t also ten-time NBA All-Stars either.
“He doesn’t have the personality where he cares about being a superstar…”He’s one of the best basketball players in the world. He may not sell a lot of jerseys, like some guys, but it doesn’t matter to him. He enjoys being great at the game, and we enjoy him being great.”
– Dwyane Wade
Bosh easily now looks like the best player for the Heat this season and it spells trouble for all of the other play teams in the league who are starting to follow the small ball lineup that the Golden State Warriors made popular, but really originated in Miami. Bosh is now able to space the floor, the best part of his skill set and the offense is being run through his ability to shoot. Due to the fact that Bosh is a 6’10 power forward with a shooting touch of a guard, it’s extremely difficult as Anthony Davis learned to guard him.
Shot by Miami Heat
Bosh this season is averaging fewer minutes than last season and he’s shooting around the same percentage. He’s averaging 18.2 points per game on only 33.1 minutes per night. He’s also adding in 8.1 rebounds and 2.3 assists a night. When you think about how much Bosh has had to do in order to play at a high-level, and then to come back even better it’s a huge surprise. If he were to average 12 points and 5 rebounds it would’ve been a glorious season knowing everything he’s had to physically suffer. If the NBA had a Comeback Player of the Year award again, it would easily have to go to Chris Bosh.
When you think about how much Bosh has had to do in order to play at a high-level, and then to come back even better is a huge surprise. If he were to average 12 points and five rebounds it would’ve been a glorious season knowing everything he’s had to physically suffer. The fact he’s about to average 20 points and 10 rebounds coming back after not being able to breath is a truly amazing blessing. The fact he’s getting ready to live another day to see the birth of his glorious new twins is even more of a blessing. If the NBA had a Comeback Player of the Year award again, it would easily have to go to Chris Bosh.
Until that moment, it’s time we start talking about Bosh like one of the 20 best players in the league like he is.
D’Joumbarey A. Moreau covers sports in Miami-Dade & Broward County. You can follow him on Twitter@DJoumbarey.
