In the clearest signal to date that Chris Bosh will not attempt to resume his NBA career this season, TNT announced Thursday that the Miami Heat power forward will serve as a studio analyst for five consecutive Mondays starting next week.
The timing of Bosh's commitment is the strongest indication that Bosh does not plan to return to the court this season, and possibly is seeking other career avenues going forward.
Bosh's studio commitment therefore precludes the possibility of Bosh appearing in 25 games this season (regular season and playoffs). That is significant, because if the Heat, as expected, apply to remove Bosh's salary-cap hit going forward, his salary would revert to the Heat if he hits that 25-game threshold in any of the remaining three seasons on his contract.
Bosh has been away from the Heat since failing his preseason physical, after missing the second half of the previous two seasons due to blood clots.
The Heat are expected to move forward with their case for such cap relief during the same time frame that Bosh will be working on Turner's Monday doubleheader broadcasts.
The Heat have contended that Bosh's condition makes it unsafe for him to resume his NBA career. Bosh has been mum on the subject since failing his preseason physical and posting a series of videos questioning the Heat's motives.
Heat President Pat Riley did not directly address Bosh's situation Thursday when addressing the Heat's outlook going forward, but did allude to the potential regained salary-cap space when he said, "We have that elusive moving number out there for the summer that will help us rebuild."
Of adding Bosh to TNT's broadcasts, Craig Barry, executive vice president and chief content officer of Turner Sports said, "We're thrilled to have Chris make appearances with our Players Only studio team and we look forward to incorporating his fresh take and informed perspective into this new TNT series. Chris is still deeply connected with today's NBA players and his insights into the game will further enhance the experience for our viewers."
Bosh will be part of TNT's "Players Only" franchise that debuts Monday at 7 p.m., appearing alongside Chris Webber, Isiah Thomas and Baron Davis.
