Report: Heat's Bosh could miss rest of season if tests reveal blood clots
Chris Bosh remains hospitalized as doctors test for possible blood clots in his lungs.
His medical condition most recently was described by the team as an illness, with coach Erik Spoelstra believing Bosh was under the weather Thursday after missing the first two Miami Heat practices following the All-Star break.
The results of the initial tests have yet to prove anything conclusive, however Joseph Goodman of the Miami Herald reports that Bosh could miss the rest of the season if further testing reveals Bosh has blood clots in his lungs. ESPN's Brian Windhorst also confirmed those concerns.
After Friday’s shoot-around session, Spoelstra said the Heat are confident that Bosh’s medical situation is not life-threatening and that he's expected to make a full recovery, as reported by Jason Lieser of the Palm Beach Post.
"I know there's a lot of speculation, but it’s too early to tell," Spoelstra said. "I'll have more info later. Everybody’s jumping the gun. Frankly, there’s not a full diagnosis.
"There are wild rumors out there. Everyone is speculating."
Dwyane Wade also addressed Bosh's condition by saying it was "more important than basketball."
A similar diagnosis of a pulmonary embolus sidelined Brooklyn Nets forward Mirza Teletovic last month for the duration of the season and ended the season of Cleveland Cavaliers big man Anderson Varejao in 2013. However, concern over blood clots is heightened this week following the death of former Portland Trail Blazers forward Jerome Kersey, who died at 52 after a blood clot traveled from his leg to his lung, causing a pulmonary embolism.
For the Heat, the loss of Bosh would create a huge void already exacerbated by a three-team deal completed Thursday that shipped out Danny Granger, Shawne Williams and Justin Hamilton. Power forward Josh McRoberts already was sidelined after undergoing knee surgery earlier this season.
With two open roster spots, Miami reportedly is signing veteran forward Henry Walker (formerly Bill Walker) from D-League affiliate Sioux Falls, according to Ira Winderman of the Sun-Sentinel. The team also has a $2.6 million injured player exception because of McRoberts' injury.
Meanwhile, Bosh's wife Adrienne tweeted that he was doing OK and LeBron James took to Twitter to show support for his former teammate.
We appreciate all the Love and Support we have received from our Friends, Family and Fans.Just a quick update that @chrisbosh is doing ok❤️
— Adrienne Bosh (@MrsAdrienneBosh) February 20, 2015
Man my heart real heavy right now thinking about @chrisbosh health! Especially after hearing about Kersey the other day. My prayers are....
— LeBron James (@KingJames) February 20, 2015
out for u and your family my brother! Here for you throughout this if needed. #BandOfBrothers #BiggerthanBasketball
— LeBron James (@KingJames) February 20, 2015
But I know you're strong and will come back better than ever on and off the court. #PrayForCB
— LeBron James (@KingJames) February 20, 2015
Bosh most recently participated in the All-Star Weekend in New York and then went on a short vacation with his family and Wade to Haiti on Monday.
At Thursday’s practice in Miami, Wade was unaware of the seriousness of Bosh’s condition.
"I don't know when he got sick," he said. "He wasn't feeling good, but I don't know what it was. He just wasn't feeling good overall. I'm not a doctor. He wasn't coughing or throwing up. He just wasn't feeling good, so I don't know when it happened.”
You can follow Surya Fernandez on Twitter @SuryaHeatNBA or email him at SuryaFoxSports@gmail.com.
