Riley says Bosh still evaluating medical options
MIAMI — Team president Pat Riley confirmed Thursday that Miami Heat forward Chris Bosh continues to seek medical evaluations for a condition that threatens to sideline him for the rest of the season.
“They are continuing to find ways and to explore options,” Riley said of Bosh and his representatives. “That’s probably the best way to deal with it. I’m not going to comment (further) right now.”
Riley was the first Heat official to address Bosh’s status since Miami’s leading scorer was held out of All-Star Weekend activities two weeks ago for what initially was disclosed as a calf strain.
Until Riley spoke Thursday in advance of an annual Heat fundraising function at AmericanAirlines Arena, team executives had repeatedly declined to discuss Bosh’s ordeal. But Heat players have said Bosh is actively involved in team functions and was recently on the practice court doing light shooting. Bosh also attended Thursday’s event but was not made available to the media.
This is the second time in the span of a year that Bosh, 31, could miss the second half of the season. Last season, Bosh missed the Heat’s final 30 games after it was discovered that a blood clot had traveled to his lungs. He was hospitalized a week after participating in the 2015 All-Star Game in New York.
Riley refused to speculate when asked specifically Thursday if he believed Bosh would return to play at some point this season for the Heat (32-25), who are fourth in the Eastern Conference standings.
“I’m not a doctor,” Riley said. “I’m not going to comment on that.”
Heat players were initially optimistic that Bosh could return this season, but that sentiment has waned in recent days as teammates have spoken more about the prospects of finishing the season without him. Star guard Dwyane Wade, who is closer to Bosh than anyone on the team, said Bosh remains in good spirits as he contemplates his medical condition and basketball career.
“You have to ask him what he wants to do — that’s not my position,” Wade said Thursday. “As a friend of mine, all I care about his how he’s feeling in his everyday life. As far as health, he’s feeling good. He’s been around every day. He’s been positive. From there, it’s a decision he’s going to have to make.”
Bosh was having his best season, statistically, in his six years with the Heat. He averaged 19.1 points, also led the team with 81 made 3-pointers and was the only player on the roster to participate in Miami’s first 53 games leading into the All-Star break.
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