Former Miami Heat star Chris Bosh participated in a game honoring the career of his teammate Goran Dragic in Slovenia, titled "The Night Of The Dragon."
Speaking to the media at the event, Bosh disclosed potential offers he received to play in Europe following his forced retirement from the Heat and the NBA due to health concerns related to blood clots.
“I actually had offers from Europe,” Bosh said. “But it was time. I wasn’t in a position where I wanted to up and move my family. I had babies at the time. I took it as a sign and continued to move on. But I had a couple of offers. It wasn’t Greece. Spain, France. In the EuroLeague.”
After eight and a half years, he returned to the basketball court, reuniting with his former teammate Dragic. Despite not having played together for an extended period in Miami, they forged an unbreakable bond.
He admitted that he had no intention of playing, having been away from the sport for so long, but he made an exception "to be out there with" Dragic.
“[It feels] different, but anything for Goran [Dragic]”,” Bosh said. “I didn’t even want to play today, I wasn’t going to play because I haven’t played for so long, but I just wanted to be out there with him, celebrating his career. Everybody doesn’t get a chance to do this, you don’t get a farewell game. You don’t even get a farewell sometimes. To be here supporting him has been amazing.”
Bosh played a pivotal role in the Miami Heat's "Big Three," alongside Dwyane Wade and LeBron James, leading the team to four consecutive NBA Finals and securing two championships. Recognized for his outstanding performance, Bosh stands as one of the franchise's all-time greats, with his jersey retired at the Kaseya Center.
However, his career prematurely ended due to health issues, which he openly admitted were challenging to overcome.
“It was very tough,” Bosh on career ending. “It was pretty much the death of my career, to be honest. Anytime you’re dealing with loss and death, you go through grief. And I had to do that for a few years, but I got over it. I believe it made me stronger. It made me focus on being more of a father.”
At least, for one last time most likely, Bosh got to relive the experience of playing basketball with teammates he used to play with all those years ago. After everything he went through, he can let his mind be at peace with his family in retirement.
Related: Dirk Honors Dragic At Emotional Retirement Farewell Game
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