Former Miami Heat star Chris Bosh published an open letter to thank the South Florida community for the past seven years.
Five days after his career in Miami officially ended, the future Hall of Fame forward published a "Letter to Miami" essay on his website, detailing the impact of the seven years with the Heat and the experience it had on his family.
"I've been reflecting on my time in this great city and want to thank you for being a constant during a period of change in my life," Bosh wrote. "I've experienced a few finals appearances, a couple of championships, several weddings (including my own), the birth of four kids, bonding with an entire community and a ton ofups and downs along the way."
The Heat officially waived Bosh on July 4 and at the same time announced the franchise will retire the 11-time All-Star's uniform number 1. The move was expected, coming six weeks after Miami, Bosh and the players' union had agreed to a resolution on Bosh's contract status because of his health issues. The 33-year-old Bosh missed the 2016-17 season after failing a preseason physical. Team doctors refused to clear him after Bosh was forced to miss the second half of the previous two seasons due to blood clots.
"I've learned how to appreciate the game of basketball and all the things I've experienced even more now," Bosh wrote. "We went through life together, Miami. You showed me how to staystrong 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."
The 6-foot-11 Bosh was an All-Star in each of his six playing seasons in South Beach, helping Miami advance to four consecutive NBA Finals and win back-to-back championships in 2012 and 2013. The fourth overall pick of Toronto in 2003 out of Georgia Tech, Bosh owns averaged 19.2 points and 8.5 rebounds in 893 career NBA games. split over seven seasons with the Raptors before six with the Heat.
Even in his relatively short time with Miami, Bosh ranks among the Heat’s all-time leaders in several categories including double-figure scoring efforts (4th), points (5th), field goal percentage (6th), total rebounds (6th), starts (6th), blocked shots (7th), minutes (10th), three-point field goals attempted (10th), double-doubles (11th), offensive rebounds (11th), steals (11th), and assists (20th).