The latest medical news regarding Bosh isn’t good for his comeback hopes, but it doesn’t completely rule them out, either.
Chris Bosh has not retired. Instead, a joint medical review by the NBA and the players’ union has ruled that Bosh’s illness that caused him to miss the entirety of the 2016-17 season was a career-ending one, according to the Miami Sun Sentinel. For Bosh himself, he still hasn’t ruled out a return to the league.
Yes, it’s a bit complicated. Here’s a quick, simple explanation for what’s happening for each party involved.
For Miami: The Miami Heat can now waive Bosh’s contract, which has two years and $52 million remaining, and they are guaranteed that it won’t return to their cap. They have not waived Bosh yet, but they can at any time and likely will soon.
For Bosh: Bosh will soon no longer be connected to Miami in any way. He could sign with any other team in the league, but only after proving to the same panel that ruled his illness as career-ending that he is healthy enough to play. For now, Bosh is still striving to do just that.
For the NBA: In the league’s eyes, Bosh has suffered a career-ending injury, which is why they have allowed Miami to clear his salary from its cap. However, though it wouldn’t reverse that ruling for the Heat, Bosh can prove to the NBA (and players’ association) that he is healthy enough to return.
Now, let’s go into a little more detail.
What is Bosh’s illness?
Bosh initially missed games in the 2014-15 season after a blood clot was discovered in his lungs. After being cleared to play to begin the 2015-16 season, Bosh was once again sidelined after a blood clot was discovered in his leg. Though he was optimistic that he would be ready for the 2016-17 season, Bosh failed a physical exam to begin this season and ultimately missed all of it.
Blood clots aren’t a life-threatening health problem if treated correctly. But for Bosh, one of the problems is that most doctors won’t allow a patient to do something like play professional sports while on blood thinners, a required medication when suffering from the illness.
Does the NBA’s ruling mean Bosh’s career is over?
No, the ruling matters mostly for the Heat, who can now enter free agency without Bosh’s $25.3 million salary for next season (and $26.8 million for the 2018-19 season) looming over them. The Heat, Bosh, and the player’s union had already reached a tentative agreement in May that would allow all parties involved to move on.
If the Heat waive Bosh, could another team claim him?
Another team could, but they won’t. Only Miami is eligible for the salary cap relief and any team claiming him would see Bosh’s $52 million put on their books. Given that Bosh may never play another minute in the league, no NBA team would do that.
Is Bosh still trying to come back?
Yes, he is. In several media appearances throughout the the past few months, Bosh has made it clear that he is still attempting to come back, pending a healthy bill of health. Here’s one example from late February.
What would it take if Bosh could come back?
It’s complicated, because it seems that Bosh is governed by the old CBA even though a new one is taking place on July 1. Under the new CBA, Bosh would have to wait nine months since the ruling was made before he could attempt to come back. But a Heat reporter says that’s not the case in this specific instance.
However, it’s still not easy for Bosh to return. To be cleared by the NBA, Bosh must meet with the same joint medical review panel that made the original decision and prove that there has been a new circumstance regarding his health — say, a medical advancement or a “material change in the player’s medical condition,” per cap guru Albert Nahmad.
What are the chances that Bosh returns?
The chances are slim. Even if Bosh could be cleared, it’s not guaranteed that medical doctors around the NBA would agree, especially if they take a cautious approach. Heat doctors held Bosh out of games last season that Bosh himself wanted to play for this reason.
At this point, there’s also declining upside to signing a 33-year-old who hasn’t played professional basketball in a year and a half. (In fairness to Bosh, he was as good as ever during his 53 games played during the 2015-16 season.)
However, Bosh hasn’t announced his retirement, and he seems eager to prove he can return to the NBA. It doesn’t seem likely that this is the end of the Bosh saga, though it may be coming soon.
Bosh has had an incredible career and should be Hall of Fame-bound. Fortunately, even a possible ending to his career as sad as this one won’t take away from that.