As longtime followers of the National Basketball Association know, Chris Bosh was One in many things apart from the number on his jersey. Certainly, he was the first to sacrifice the most for collective pursuits in an era defined by increased player mobility. He gave up top-dog status, robust stat lines, and max salaries with the Raptors to play a supporting role for the Heat. Through two championships out of four straight Finals appearances, he received far less praise than the other members of the famed Big Three. Never mind that his endgame exploits in Game Six of the 2013 title series helped change the career trajectories of LeBron James and Dwayne Wade.
Considering the capacity and willingness of Bosh to give without regard for recognition, his retirement ceremony yesterday was decidedly overdue. No doubt, it got delayed by his refusal to accept the fate handed him by his recurring and life-threatening bouts with venous thromboembolism; ever the fighter, he sought professional opinions supporting his argument that he could still play with the aid of medical intervention. Once he made peace with reality, though, his date with the red-and-black faithful was set. As franchise president Pat Riley noted, he’s “forever and always a lifer of the Miami Heat.”
Significantly, those who know Bosh best remember him as much — if not more — for his character. Whether on the court or off, he’s simply out to be there for others. His video-bombing ventures have become social media fodder, but, away from the cameras, he’s known to lend a hand and an ear to those in need. It’s why yesterday became as much a celebration of his considerable worth as a player as his immeasurable value as a human being. “He’s not just a superstar,” Riley pointed out. “He’s an incredible superhuman.” Added Wade, he’s “the piece and the person that made the Big Three era legendary.” Even James, who couldn’t be present at the event because of a Lakers match at the Staples Center, chimed in via Twitter: “MONSTER!!!!!!!! One beautiful game and even better person.”
Nope, Bosh wasn’t the first to have his jersey hanging in the American Airlines Arena rafters. He’s fourth after Alonzo Mourning, Tim Hardaway, and Michael Jordan. Among them all, though, he’s tops in well wishes. Not a single negative was said of his place among the greats, and for all the Could Have Beens and Would Have Beens his illness generated, he left behind a legacy fit for the “1” on his back. The “Stretch Five” moniker is used liberally these days, but for a long, long while, it was his and his alone. He earned it, and, outside basketball, he earns it still.
Anthony L. Cuaycong has been writing Courtside since BusinessWorld introduced a Sports section in 1994.
