Dwyane Wade and the Miami Heat are without star center Chris Bosh right now as the big man deals with another reported blood clot in his leg. The Associated Press has reported Bosh is back on blood thinners to treat the issue that nearly cost him his life a year ago, but the Heat haven’t confirmed that story.
A private person, Bosh has remained quiet about his latest health issue, but Michael Lee of The Vertical got his teammate and close friend, Wade, to open up about how it has affected everyone, including Bosh himself.
He called the current situation “a shot in the back,” per Lee, and said it’s not been easy for Wade to handle.
“He’s not ready to be out there yet,” Wade told The Vertical. “It’s hard for him. But even him being around here, it’s helping the guys to see him. He’s dealing with something that’s very tough, but he’s coming in and showing us his personality, he’s been into the team. It’s meant a lot.”
He called Bosh “a great individual” and touched on why it’s so hard for him to stay away, saying “Chris loves to play this game. He loves it.”
Wade also lauded him for continuing to stay plugged in and contributing to the team, even though he can’t physically help his teammates as they cling to the No. 4 seed in the Eastern Conference.
“He’s been great. Obviously, we’re not at home with him. I’m sure it’s frustrating for him,” Wade told The Vertical. “I’m sure it’s hard for him when the doors close at his house and he has a moment of silence. But when he’s out, he continues to live life.”
This is definitely a difficult situation for Bosh, who finds himself unable to engage in one of his life passions. After the life-threatening blood clot scare last year that cost him the second half of the season, it’s possible (though purely speculation) that Bosh’s NBA career could be over.
His long-term health is so much more important at this point, and he has more to be passionate about than basketball these days.
“Now at this point, basketball has been taken away but his life continues to go on. He has a beautiful family. He’s got two more kids on the way and he has to continue to be strong for them,” Wade said. “Our job is to continue to be supportive of him, check on him, make sure his spirits are great and that’s what we do.”
Bosh’s difficult situation is shaping up to be one of the biggest storylines of the entire 2015-16 NBA season.
A potential return to the court for Miami would give the Heat a shot at making waves in the postseason. Not only would his considerable basketball skills be a boon to the organization, but his fighting spirit could spark a fire and inspire his teammates to play at a level that comes only in the rarest of circumstances.
On the flip side, if Bosh’s calf issue keeps him from returning, then everyone will be talking about what the Heat need to do going forward and questioning his future for the 2016-17 season and beyond.