Former Heat center Chris Bosh nominated for induction into Naismith Hall of Fame

Chris Bosh, who helped the Miami Heat to win two NBA titles in four appearances from 2010-2014, on Basketball Hall of Fame ballot.

For most of his career with the Miami Heat, Chris Bosh was considered a third wheel behind Dwyane Wade and LeBron James.

Next summer, he could find himself alone in the Heat spotlight. On Thursday, Bosh was among those nominated for the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. The finalists will be announced in February during NBA All-Star Weekend. 

Bosh played in Miami from 2010-16 before blood clots prematurely ended his career. He helped the Heat make four straight NBA finals appearances, winning two championships.

“Truly an honor,” Bosh tweeted. “My career ended earlier than expected and that hurt immensely. To come to this point being nominated for the Hall of Fame with my heroes is truly an amazing feeling.”

Bosh is in a group that includes greats Tim Duncan, Kobe Bryant and Kevin Garnett, who are considered virtual locks on their first ballot. Bosh has a strong case to join them based on an impressive body of work. He was a 12-time All-Star and made second-team All-NBA in 2007 with the Toronto Raptors.

After playing under the radar for seven seasons in Toronto, he teamed up with Wade and James in the summer of 2010. They were arguably the league’s most scrutinized team in history because three superstars players in their prime had never joined forces.

Truly an honor. My career ended earlier than expected and that hurt immensely. To come to this point being nominated for the Hall of Fame with my heroes is truly an amazing feeling. #HOF20 pic.twitter.com/I0dlBgnBoW

— Chris Bosh (@chrisbosh) December 19, 2019

Although Bosh played third fiddle, he was considered a key component. He averaged 18 points and 7.3 rebounds in six seasons in Miami. When the Heat captured their second straight title in 2013, it was Bosh who grabbed the rebound and made the pass to Ray Allen for his improbable 3-pointer in Game 6 that tied the game against the San Antonio Spurs and helped extend the series. In overtime, he blocked a potential tying 3-pointer by Spurs guard Danny Green.

Since his retirement, Bosh has remained a visible figure in South Florida. Last year the Heat retired his jersey and he is often celebrated by fans while sitting courtside at home games.