Chris Bosh rumors: Bosh is a max player

Nov 20, 2013; Orlando, FL, USA; Miami Heat center Chris Bosh (1) against the Orlando Magic during the second quarter at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 20, 2013; Orlando, FL, USA; Miami Heat center Chris Bosh (1) against the Orlando Magic during the second quarter at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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Miami Heat big man Chris Bosh has been one of the most heavily criticized players in the NBA.

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However, it wasn’t always like that. Bosh spent the first seven years of his NBA career with Toronto Raptors after they selected him with the fourth-overall selection in the first round of the now famous 2003 NBA Draft. He averaged at least 22.3 points per game in each of his last five seasons in Toronto.  Of course, in 2010, when Bosh decided to leave the Raptors and forward LeBron James decided to leave the Cleveland Cavaliers to join the Miami Heat, basketball fans immediately made them the villains.

James has helped erase that moniker by winning two more MVP awards and leading the Heat to two NBA titles, winning MVP of both and four Finals appearances in their four years in Miami. Bosh has not been able to escape the jokes and when a report surfaced the Houston Rockets were willing to offer Bosh a max deal, many scoffed at the notion.

Nate Duncan of Basketball Insiders was asked if Bosh was a max player and didn’t hesitate to say that he is.

"In this market, he definitely is. And I think he’s worth the max for at least 2 more years. His ability to shoot and play solid, mobile D is very rare for a big. Plus I think he has more in the tank scoring wise than he’s shown of late."

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.