4 consecutive Finals with the Miami Heat, 2 championship victories, and 11× NBA All-Star appearances—Chris Bosh was undeniably one of the best big men of his time. But just as the basketball world was buzzing about what he would do next, everything came to a screeching halt. A shadow loomed over his career as blood clots repeatedly formed in his body. Eventually, when these clots were deemed life-threatening, Bosh was forced to make the toughest decision of his life—he had to step away from the game he loved, right in the middle of a season.

It all began back in 2015 when Bosh was first diagnosed with a blood clot in his lungs. This alarming discovery couldn’t have come at a worse time, as the Miami Heat was settling into the post-LeBron era. Doctors scoured his medical history, searching for “hereditary markers” to explain the clots, but found nothing. With his lungs finally clear, Bosh geared up for the next season, ready to hit the court with full intensity.

Optimism surrounded his return, and as the new season approached, everyone expected to see the Bosh they knew—unstoppable and in full form. But fate had other plans. As the season progressed, another clot developed, this time in his leg. Despite surgery and rigorous therapy, Bosh failed the physical exam that would have allowed him to return to training camp. NBA physicians ultimately classified his condition as career-threatening, and just like that, the comeback was over before it even began.

Finally, in February 2019, Bosh hung up his boots for good, marking the end of an era. The Miami Heat honored his legacy by retiring his No. 1 jersey in March of that year. Reflecting on his journey, Bosh once said, “I have a choice: Is this going to help me, or is it going to hurt me?”

In the years that followed, Bosh seemed to keep himself busy, albeit differently. A prime example was in May when the former Miami Heat star was spotted at the 37th annual Big Sur International Marathon in Monterey County. Seeing him power through the race left many fans astonished—and rightfully so. It wasn’t every day that you saw a basketball legend crossing the marathon finish line like a seasoned runner. That moment quickly went viral, giving everyone a brief, joyful glimpse of their favorite player.

People often seem to forget the impact Bosh had at the time. He was one of the first Stretch 4s in the NBA and perfectly gelled with LeBron James and Dwyane Wade in Miami.

Chris Bosh’s dominance in the NBA

From the moment he stepped onto the court as a rookie, Chris Bosh was a force in the Eastern Conference. His first seven years with the Toronto Raptors were nothing short of spectacular. Between 2005 and 2010, Bosh put up an impressive 22.8 points, 9.9 rebounds, and 2.5 assists per game, all while shooting 50% from the field. During this golden period, he earned five All-Star nods and was even in the conversation for MVP twice—a rare feat for someone playing in Canada’s only NBA franchise at the time.

And then came 2010—a year that would forever change the landscape of the NBA. When Miami announced the arrival of Bosh and LeBron James, alongside Dwyane Wade, it was the beginning of an era that would see one of the most formidable big threes in history. Together, they made four consecutive Finals appearances, winning 2 championships and cementing their legacy. But even after LeBron’s departure, Bosh continued to be a cornerstone for the Heat.

If it hadn’t been for his health issues, many believe Miami could have remained a dominant force in the East, potentially keeping their playoff hopes alive for years to come.

Stay tuned for more such updates and join us for the exciting second episode of the “Dual Threat Show” as our host BG12 sits down with Georgia Bulldogs star and Mountain West All-Freshman Team Selection, Asia Avinger.