Bosh has been sidelined since All-Star Weekend after complications from his blood clot situation flared up, and according to ESPN's Brian
It's the second season in a row where Bosh was sidelined in the back half by blood clots. Despite the fact that Bosh is healthy as far as going about his day-to-day business, doctors fear that his blood clots and the side effects of the blood-thinning medication he uses to control the condition could lead to a serious situation if he were injured on the court. The exact nature of the condition and the full extent of the doctors' concerns haven't been publicly
Bosh reportedly wanted to return during the playoffs and may have even found a doctor who could have cleared him. But the Heat's medical staff and numerous outside doctors and experts all agreed it was too risky to let Bosh return to the court. Eventually, Bosh and the team released a joint statement saying he would not return.
That leaves the team and Bosh in the unpleasant offseason situation of figuring out what to do for next season.
"There is a fear within the Heat organization that Bosh's condition will prevent him from ever being cleared to play by team doctors, several sources said," Windhurst reports. "It's a result of exhaustive consultations with specialists. Something this big and delicate, the sides have gone deep attempting to understand all the options."
According to NBA rules, if Bosh doesn't return before February 9, 2017, an independent doctor could be brought into review the situation. If it's determined that Bosh cannot continue his career, he could face medical retirement. Bosh would still be paid the remainder of his contract, but the money wouldn't count against the Heat's cap space.
It's a terrible situation for all involved but preferable to Bosh's facing a serious injury on the court in front of fans. The reality, though, is that his condition has had serious implications for the Heat on-court for the past two seasons.
