If Chris Bosh ever returns to the court, he won't be doing so in South Beach.
Miami Heat president Pat Riley confirmed to reporters Monday that Bosh's career with the team has likely come to an end.
"I think Chris is still open-minded. But we are not working toward his return," Riley said. "We feel that, based on the last exam, that his Heat career is probably over."
A physical last week turned up further evidence of blood clots in Bosh's system - the same issue that cut short each of his past two seasons. The condition isn't life-threatening if he takes blood thinners, but Bosh cannot play while medicated for fear of being cut.
Despite the diagnosis, Bosh insisted he still intends on returning to the court. He's worked all offseason with the belief that he would be cleared.
Riley commended Bosh for his efforts, but - dating back to February - his medical team judged the star power forward's career to be likely over. That ruling hasn't changed.
"I understand what he's trying to do," Riley said. "It's a heroic effort."
Riley also clarified that his staff has worked in tandem with Bosh toward a return, and that notions of a rift between he and Bosh are false.
"If there was a level of mistrust, I don't know what he's talking about," Riley said. "Contrary to how this thing has been perpetuated in the media, we have worked very, very hard with Chris."
"We did everything we could," Riley added.
