Bosh thanks Heat fans: You gave me strength in the toughest moments
Now that Chris Bosh's journey with the Miami Heat is officially over, the veteran big man is reflecting on his time in South Beach.
The Heat waived Bosh on Tuesday following two-plus years spent mostly on the sidelines due to blood-clotting issues that the team reportedly believes to be career-ending.
The 33-year-old had a successful run with the franchise, making the All-Star team all six years and helping Miami capture two titles alongside Dwyane Wade and LeBron James.
Bosh, whose No. 1 jersey will be retired by the organization, shared a letter Saturday expressing how his Heat tenure changed his life.
It was scary leaving Toronto, a place where people really loved and supported me, and I wasn't sure if that great feeling would follow me. When I arrived in Miami, I was just hoping for glory and mention amongst the immortals of basketball. What I got was so much more.
There were good times and bad in Miami, and Bosh learned to find the positives in everything, including tough losses - he described the 2014 NBA Finals defeat to the San Antonio Spurs as "one of the worst experiences" he's ever had - and more severe issues like his health scare.
Through it all, the fans always supported him, and he truly appreciates that.
Thanks for coming to the games and cheering us on to win. Making you proud was a priority every time we stepped out on the court. It felt so good to share that championship feeling with you. While we grabbed the trophy, you grabbed your pots and pans and celebrated like no one else in the world can. Warm home games are a luxury in the league. Being able to stay with you and actually win a couple games made everything that much better.
...
We went through life together, Miami. You showed me how to stay strong and push through in the toughest moments. And although I didn't like it at the time, it made all the difference in the long run. It made me a better man, the person I am today. Thank you. ... I hope you will continue to follow me on my journey, wherever that leads me.
Bosh starred for the Toronto Raptors for several years before joining the Heat, with whom he averaged 18 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 1.8 assists over six seasons. He missed all of 2016-17 due to his health concerns, but was adamant he'd play again.
He cleared waivers Thursday, and could join another team as an unrestricted free agent.