It may come as no surprise that basketball, like many forms of entertainment, has varying degrees of devotion. From the casual fan to the lifelong hoops junkie, you get all kinds and every one of them has an opinion. It’s part of what makes supporting a team or sport such a unique experience.
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With that in mind, I was still shocked when an acquaintance of mine — probably gravitating toward the more “casual” end of the fan spectrum — suggested that the Miami Heat‘s best chance at future success would be trading Chris Bosh.
I shot down the suggestion as both impossible and unwarranted.
It’s impossibility is based on the contract that Bosh signed just last summer. Bosh’s agreement with Miami is a five-year deal worth nearly $120 million. He just completed the first year of the deal, by far the cheapest at “just” $20.6 million.
It increases for each subsequent year, rising to $22.2 next season, $23.7 after that, $25.3 in the fourth year before it ends after the 2018-19 season at a whopping $26.8 million.
There’s a chance that Bosh’s contract might eventually be considered a decent value, if the salary cap expands as expected before the 2016-17 season. That depends on whether Bosh — now 31 years old — is still playing at an exceptionally-high level.
Given his propensity in recent years to score more frequently from the perimeter, he could avoid some of the wear-and-tear that typically affects big men.
Sir Charles In Charge
But even career-long shooters like Dirk Nowitzki age gracelessly as time goes on and as his recent playoff struggles prove.
Moreover, even if you discount whether you could trade Bosh, it boggles the mind as to why Miami ever should.
There’s no denying that the deal is excessive, even if he manages to stay productive throughout the next four years. But, in the wake of LeBron James‘ departure to Cleveland, signing Bosh was an absolutely necessary move, no matter the cost.
Bringing Bosh back to the fold salvaged fans’ hopes that had been torn apart by James’ return to the Cavaliers; it was a deal that made sense from a basketball and emotional perspective, even if the financial view was less optimistic.
Despite being limited to just 44 games before blood clots in his lung ended his season prematurely, Bosh had been playing at a high level. He was selected as an All-Star reserve based on his high (if not fully dominant) production. Averages of 21.1 points, 7 rebounds and 2.2 assists per game reminded most casual fans of Bosh’s ability to impact a game in a number of ways.
And there’s promise for the future, too, despite Bosh’s high salary. He’ll blend well with the addition of Goran Dragic to the team, as well as the continued development of Hassan Whiteside. Both players are effective inside scorers and Bosh’s ability to score from mid- to long-range will only make Miami’s offense more versatile.
But there’s more to Bosh’s impact, one that is felt both on and off the court. He’s a valued part of the franchise, as much a “Heat Lifer” as Dwyane Wade or Udonis Haslem. He’s represented the team with class since he joined Miami in 2010 and has embraced South Florida culture, all the while growing as a person and a player.
Many may have forgotten that Bosh was a vital part of the success enjoyed during the now-gone “Big 3” era. James moved on, Wade remains a powerhouse when healthy. But Bosh, quiet and reserved, simply does what’s necessary for Miami to win.
In a sport that generally values only what you’ve done lately and a world that embraces over-the-top personalities, Bosh remains as important to the Heat’s future as he was to their championship past.
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