The Bosh Effect

Added on May 23, 2011 by Scott in

NBA

Chris Bosh’s decision to bring his talents to South Beach last summer was pretty much an afterthought compared to the other guy who did the same. LeBron James stole the headlines and the backlash, which in the end, might’ve served Bosh well. After being the third option for the majority of the regular season, the ex-Raptor big man has begun to assume a larger role in the Heat offense as they march toward a possible NBA Finals appearance.

Bosh was the picture of consistency during his previous five seasons in Toronto. He was their go-to player, averaging over 22 points and nearly 10 rebounds per game since 2005. His solid play in the paint led to five consecutive All-Star selections, but resulted in only two playoff berths and zero series wins.

By joining LeBron and Dwyane Wade in Miami, it was thought the trio would formulate the foundation for a legitimate championship contender primed to dominate the Eastern Conference. However, Bosh struggled to mesh as a third wheel and became easily frustrated by his lack of impact.

James and Wade are shoot-first playmakers, which left Bosh missing in action on occasion. Without the ball, he was often relegated to a rebounder, not the skilled inside threat he had been with the Raptors. He wasn’t terrible by an means, but he wasn’t awesome either.

As the postseason progresses, Heat opponents are focusing more attention on checking both James and Wade, leaving Bosh more opportunities to score. A pedestrian series versus Boston has given way to Bosh regaining the mojo that made him such a coveted free agent in 2010.

In 77 regular season games, Bosh netted 30 points or more three times. In three games against the Bulls, he has eclipsed that plateau twice, including a game-high 34 in Sunday’s Game 3 96-85 victory. His rebounding totals are down, but the return of power forward Udonis Haslem from injury has lessened the need for Bosh to crash the glass, thus allowing him to concentrate on what he does best: attack the basket.

Needless to say, a hot Bosh makes the Heat even more dangerous. And should Miami advance to the Finals to face Dallas, they will need him confident to counter the likes of Dirk Nowitzki and Tyson Chandler.

It seems Chris Bosh has finally found his comfort zone. Now all the Heat have to do is ensure he stays there from here on out.