Derick Hingle- USA Today Sports
When discussing the success the Miami Heat have achieved over the last few seasons, most consider LeBron James and Dwyane Wade the focal points of it. Erik Spoelstra has always said that Chris Bosh is the most important player on the roster due to his flexibility between playing center and power forward, one of the Heat’s bigger weaknesses.
Although his role on the team is vital, Bosh’s play over the last few seasons hasn’t reflected his importance. Bosh averaged over 24.0 ppg while playing for the Toronto Raptors, along with 10.8 rpg and 1.0 blks. Since joining the Wade and James in Miami, Bosh’s numbers have taken a drastic hit. Bosh averaged just 16.6 ppg, 6.8 rpg, and 1.7 apg. The only statistic that seems to have increased for Bosh is his blocks per game, and this can be attributed to his slide from power forward to center.
This will be a crucial season for the Heat in terms of attempting the illusive three-peat. If the Heat are to fail, talks of breaking up the core Big Three will be at an all-time high, with Bosh being the first to potentially go. The way the current Heat roster is constructed, Bosh is the Heat’s best big man. Even with the signings of Greg Oden and Chris Andersen, the Heat are still going to rely on Bosh’s productivity in the paint. His rebounding average has to increase. Just six to seven rebounds a game wont cut it. Play big or go home.
Jared Doyle is a Miami Heat writer for www.RantSports.com.
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