Miami Heat’s Chris Bosh needs to ’embrace his heightened role’

Jun 12, 2014; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Heat center Chris Bosh warms up prior to game four of the 2014 NBA Finals against the San Antonio Spurs at American Airlines Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 12, 2014; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Heat center Chris Bosh warms up prior to game four of the 2014 NBA Finals against the San Antonio Spurs at American Airlines Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports /
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After LeBron James left the Miami Heat for the Cleveland Cavaliers, the Heat quickly re-signed Chris Bosh and Dwayne Wade and added Luol Deng to replace James.

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Jesse Blancarte of Basketball Insiders believes Bosh “will need to embrace his heightened role” and look a little more like the player he was with the Toronto Raptors in order for the Heat to have a big season.

"The HEAT lost some major pieces this offseason, but have filled in the gaps with an interesting mix of veterans and youth. However, the HEAT’s success this upcoming season will be determined more so than anything by Bosh and Wade. Bosh will need to embrace his heightened role and go back to the sort of franchise player he was with the Toronto Raptors. And Wade, who reportedly has slimmed down this offseason, will have to stay healthy and recapture some of his old form after sharing the ball with LeBron for four years, which may be difficult after struggling through injuries these last few seasons."

Bosh was considered a legitimate superstar in Toronto and although he may not be that kind of player any more, he should still a rise in just about all of his numbers (with the exception of his shooting percentage which may suffer with a higher usage percentage and no James to get him open looks).

Bosh averaged 16.2 points, 6.6 rebounds, 1.1 assists, 1.0 blocks and 1.0 steals per game while shooting 51.6% from the field, 33.9% from three and 82.0% from the free trow line last season.

Be sure to check FanSided’s official NBA page to keep up to date on the latest news and rumors from around the league all summer long.