Despite not playing since the 2015-16 season, should the Washington Wizards give Chris Bosh a second chance in the NBA?
After they signed Dwight Howard, Jeff Green, and traded for Austin Rivers, the Washington Wizards have put themselves in position to make a run at the Eastern Conference title in 2019. And with the dog days of summer upon them and training camp a month away, it’s safe to say that the Wizards are done making moves heading into the new season.
However, with the news of a former all-star planning an NBA comeback, a potential signing from the Wizards may skyrocket their title chances from pretenders to contenders.
Drafted by the Toronto Raptors with the fourth overall pick in 2003, Chris Bosh established himself as one of the greatest big men of his era. Sure, Dirk Nowitzki made it cool for a big to stretch the floor and shoot from the outside, but it would be Bosh who became the poster child for the modern day big man way before the days of Kevin Love and Kristaps Porzingis.
Throughout his first 10-years in the league, Bosh was quickly becoming one of the most accomplished players in history. He recorded 11 all-star appearances, an Olympic Gold Medal in 2008, and back-to-back championships (2012 & 2013) as a member of the Miami Heat.
Unfortunately, after being diagnosed with blood clots two consecutive seasons, Bosh’s career came to an unexpected halt in 2016.
However, despite the danger of returning to the court, Bosh remains optimistic in his return to the league. In a recent interview with Yahoo Sports, Bosh says he hopes a team will give him a chance to return to the court in 2019.
"“Yeah, it’s still on my mind,” Bosh told Yahoo Sports of his comeback attempt. “Obviously, if it doesn’t happen by February, I’m not stupid, but yeah, I’m still looking forward to that. I’m still trying to overcome that hump and trying to get something going. I’m looking forward to the challenge. I know I can still play some ball and be a 3-and-D guy for somebody out there.”"
Although he is two years removed from his last game, Bosh would still be a valuable addition added to any team roster. At 6’11 and his ability to stretch the floor, Bosh would be a perfect fit for the Wizards. Especially with their hopes of becoming the new Beast of the East in the absence of LeBron James.
Of course, Washington would not add the same player who once averaged 20 points and 10 rebounds in Toronto, but adding Bosh will give the Wizards a veteran leader in their locker room. The lack of a leader is a void that has been left empty after the departure of Paul Pierce in 2015.
Since his days at Georgia Tech, Bosh’s leadership qualities is something well documented throughout his career. So much so, Heat coach Erik Spoelstra once said Bosh’s leadership skills is one of his most valuable assets since arriving in Miami.
And with the drama that surrounded the Wizards, last season Bosh would be an excellent option to fulfill this role.
In addition to his leadership skills, Bosh’s performance on the court will also elevate Washington into serious title contenders in the league. Playing behind Howard and Markieff Morris, Bosh would give the Wizards a reliable big man who can score and help with Washington’s rebounding woes.
Just imagine how unstoppable the Wizards will be with John Wall running the pick-and-roll with Howard on the low post. And the pick-and-pop with Bosh’s ability to hit from the perimeter. Wall would easily lead the league in assists, playing with two future Hall-of-Fame players in Howard and Bosh.
Although it would be great to see Chris Bosh have another chance in the league, the life-threatening illness is too much of a risk for any team to sign him. However, if there is a team willing to take a risk with the correct medical procedures, then the Washington Wizards would be a great opportunity for Bosh to have a second chance at an NBA life.