Chris Bosh still trying to make NBA comeback, open to return with Toronto

Chris Bosh was on First Take, the delirious talk show featuring the unique talents of one Stephen A. Smith, today and, naturally, he got around to talking about a potential comeback to the NBA.

Here’s the pertinent (and available) clip:

Bosh was last seen in the NBA during the 2015-16 season while playing for the Miami Heat. At the time he was 31 years old, putting up averages of 19.1 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 2.4 assists, while shooting 36.5 percent from three (and 47 percent from the field). Unfortunately, due to a blood clot issue, Bosh played his last game for the Heat on February 9th. (The Heat would go on to lose in the second round of the 2016 playoffs to the Raptors; maybe you remember that part too.)

Bosh has been out of action since then — and, now at 33 years of age, is still trying to get back to the NBA.

Before we get to the reality of the situation, let’s have some fun. I didn’t see the interview in question (who has that kind of time?), but apparently Bosh teased the idea of returning for one final tour of duty with the Raptors. It’s a potent idea.

From Soveta’s piece at the Score:

“A winning situation. ... Top three,” he said of his hopeful landing spot. “I would say right now Houston, Golden State, man, Toronto’s playing well right now, you gotta put them in the top three.”

”You would go back to Toronto?” Smith asked.

”I didn’t say that, you asked me who my top three was. ... I’m a free agent: whoever makes me the best deal,” Bosh said.

With all the recently expressed nostalgia about Vince Carter, it’s wild to imagine the return of one of the Raptors’ other noteworthy stars. (Tracy McGrady is still retired, right???) I’m sure any of us were prepared for Bosh’s name to suddenly emerge today.

At 33 years old, and without any other serious injury concerns (I’m talking knee and joint-type things), I have no doubt Chris Bosh can still play basketball. But there’s that pesky reality again: no updated information has been offered up as to Bosh’s medical status at this time. As continues to be the case for him, we remain uncertain as to whether any team would (or could) clear him to be able to compete in an actual NBA game. It’s a sad outcome because it’s so clear Bosh does want to play, and that he believes he still can.

As for the Raptors as a destination, Bosh doesn’t entirely fit as anything more than deep bench insurance. Given the balance of the roster the team doesn’t quite need another PF/C type. (It feels like there’s more of a hole on the wing, which is why Carter’s name was bandied around so fervently.) But at the same time, in light of Bosh’s last stat line, we’re talking about a player with some heady skills, a high basketball IQ, and the kind of veteran (and champion!) pedigree Toronto could use.

Like the Carter situation (but to the nth degree), this is still all just wishful thinking. There’s no reason to believe Bosh will suddenly be able to return to the NBA. And there’s absolutely no reason to believe the Raptors would be the first team to come calling.

Still, it’s fun to think about.