Inside The Heat

NBA Superstar Credits Miami Heat Big Man For Revolutionizing The League

Anthony Pasciolla

Apr 10, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Clippers forward Paul George (13) watches game action against the Phoenix Suns during the second half at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
Apr 10, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Clippers forward Paul George (13) watches game action against the Phoenix Suns during the second half at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images / Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

Chris Bosh was ahead of his time with the Miami Heat.

He was one of the first power forwards to act as a true threat from the outside, especially when Heat coach Erik Spoelstra moved him to center. His opponents took notice, including superstar forward Paul George. The former Indiana Pacer and the Heat had numerous battles deep in the playoffs, where Bosh thrived against their true frontcourt.

George took notice of this, crediting Bosh for revolutionizing the league on a recent episode of his podcast.

"When we played Miami and they put Chris Bosh at the five, I think that's when the league literally changed," George said. "Cause we were one of the last teams to be two bigs, real bigs. David West and Roy Hibbert [were] not three-point shooters, mid-range shooters. Defensively, Miami struggled against that until they moved Chris Bosh to the five and played four wings, and then that was how you beat the Pacers. That was the blueprint to beat the Pacers at that time."

While Bosh never knocked down a high percentage from three-point range, the shots fell when it mattered most. Now, teams without an outside threat big man stand little chance of winning a championship.

"And then now that's what you look for, you want a shooting big," George shared. "There is no four man, no more, like the four man is a guard, a wing now, like we take a lot of credit, that Indiana Pacers team, takes a lot of credit for how the game is."

Spoelstra is also deserving of credit for this change in the NBA, taking notice of Bosh's ability to outshine the Pacers' big men from the arc.

MORE HEAT NEWS

Miami Heat Linked To Newly Moved All-Star In Rumored Blockbuster Trade

Atlanta Hawks Predicted As Dark Horse Landing Spot For Miami Heat Star

Anthony Pasciolla works as a contributing writer to Miami Heat On SI. He can be reached at ampasciolla@gmail.com or follow him on X @AnthonyPasci.

Published
Anthony Pasciolla
ANTHONY PASCIOLLA

Anthony Pasciolla is a sports journalist who began covering the NBA in June 2023. A Philadelphia native, Anthony has experience covering the Philadelphia 76ers as a credentialed reporter. He has written for Miami Heat, Back In The Day Hoops, Kansas State Wildcats, and Illinois Fighting Illini on Sports Illustrated. His work also includes 76ers coverage for The Sporting News and previous stories for Athlon Sports and BasketballNews. When he’s not covering the NBA, you can find him spending time with friends and family or diving into the world of fantasy football. Follow him on X @AnthonyPasci or reach him via email at ampasciolla@gmail.com