It certainly seems like All-star Chris Bosh has his bags packed to leave Toronto, but where’s he going?
Recently, Bosh narrowed his list of teams he’s willing to play for next season to: Chicago, Lakers, Miami, the Knicks, and Toronto (ESPN.com).
Although we can assume that many factors may change between now and the free agent signing deadline, for the moment, let’s take this at face value.
Also, for the purpose of this discussion, we will assume that Bosh signs as a free agent, rather than in a sign-and-trade.
Two important notes about Bosh’s list: (1) Chicago, Miami, and New York are all rumored to be interested in acquiring 2-time MVP LeBron James; and (2) those above teams can also offer the most money (aside from the unmentioned New Jersey Nets). Because of the first note, we’re going to consider how these teams would look if they could somehow land both Chris Bosh and LeBron James.
Now, let’s dissect Bosh’s comments to find out where he might end up.
Toronto
While I would not rule out him re-signing in Toronto, I do not see this as a likely destination for Bosh. If Toronto can make some clear improvements in their roster and if Toronto offers him the best deal, then sure there’s always a chance. Let’s be real, though. When a free agent superstar, who has already made it clear that he’s overwhelmingly happy, includes his current team in that kind of statement, he is trying not to alienate his fan base, or poison the well, so to speak, in case he does remain with the team. Essentially, Toronto is a throw-in that we can cross off his list of preferences.
The Knicks
2010 Record: 29-53
Playoffs: 12 losses away from the playoffs
2011 Projection: Without significant changes, the Knicks of 2011 will sadly resemble those of 2010. No playoffs in sight.
This is the team with the most salary to spend in 2010. It’s just too bad they cannot seem to field a winning team. They do, however, have a good coach in Mike D’Antoni and management in Donnie Walsh.
If they have to relinquish David Lee, to acquire the two All-stars, they might have a lineup like:
C Chris Bosh, PF Al Harrington, SF LeBron James, SG Wilson Chandler, PG Chris Duhon
Bench:
Danilo Gallinari, Tracy McGrady, Sergio Rodriguez, Eddie House
This is a decent lineup with an adequate bench. But, here’s the rub: do you think LeBron can be convinced he’d have a better chance of winning with: Bosh, Harrington and Chandler or with Shaq, Jamison, and Mo Williams?
Chicago Bulls
2010 Record: 41-41
Playoffs: They barely made the playoffs over Bosh’s Toronto Raptors. They were then defeated 4-1 by James’ Cavaliers.
2011 Projection: Without some moves, this team will improve only slightly. With an aging Brad Miller and young Gibson and Noah, this team lacks the size to compete in the playoffs.
Although the Cavs-Bulls series seemed like a tough one, the Cavs’ wins, not including Game 5, were all by ten points or more. Ask yourself this: would LeBron James leave the Cavs for the team his Cavs just beat in round 1 of the playoffs?
Moreover, since we’re really talking about Bosh, would Bosh leave the team that barely squeaked into the playoffs in front of his Raptors?
If they could add the King and Bosh, they might have a lineup of:
C Joakim Noah, PF Chris Bosh, SF LeBron James, SG Luol Deng, PG Derrick Rose
Bench:
Kirk Hinrich, Brad Miller, Ronald Murray, Hakim Warrick
This lineup is already stronger than that Knicks’ lineup. Bosh, James, Rose—one obvious thing seems to be missing, though: a bench. Good teams need a strong bench to survive in the playoffs. If they had a better bench, this would be an interesting team.
The Miami Heat
2010 Record: 47-35
Playoffs: They made a first round exit, 4-1, at the hands of the Boston Celtics
2011 Projection: Similar to the Knicks, the projection looks about the same as this year unless they make some changes.
Even with Dwayne Wade pulling this team virtually by himself, the Heat only had a worse record (in the East) than the Cavs, Magic, Hawks, and Celtics. Considering this team has a weak coach, virtually no bench, and a weak starting lineup (other than Wade); 5th place behind those teams is not bad. The Heat finished 14 games behind the 1st place Cavs.
Since their playoffs ended, Heat President Pat Riley has indicated that he would not rule out a return to the bench, so that should give fans hope that at least they are thinking about building another contender around Wade.
If the Heat could make these great additions, they might boast a lineup of:
C Jermaine O’Neal, PF Chris Bosh. SF LeBron James, SG Dwayne Wade. PG Mario Chalmers
Bench:
Michael Beasley (actually, I’d expect him to be traded if such moves are made), Udonis Haslem, Quentin Richardso, Rafer Alston, Carlos Arroyo, Daequan Cook, James Jones
This is probably the best starting lineup of any team so far. However, similar to the Bulls, the bench just would not be strong enough (although it is decent). The team would need to make some extra moves to bolster the bench.
The Los Angeles Lakers
2010 Record: 57-25
Playoffs: The #1 seed Lakers beat the Thunder in 6 and silenced the Jazz in 4. Currently, they are locked in battle with the Suns in the Western Conference Finals.
2011 Projection: It should be more of the same for these Western Conference Finalists as long as they are healthy. Moves or no moves, look for them to make another run to the Western Conference Finals, if not the NBA Finals.
Lots of people realize it now as a lost opportunity, but I was calling for the Lakers to pull the trigger on the Bynum-Bosh deal as soon as the rumor was out. With Andrew Bynum injured, again (who’s surprised by this? Anyone?), the Lakers have lost their considerable size and length advantage. Their bench, too, gets weaker because Lamar Odom is then moved into the starting lineup.
If they added Bosh, this team would be almost unbeatable:
C Chris Bosh, PF Pau Gasol, SF Ron Artest, SG Kobe Bryant, PG Derek Fisher
Bench:
Lamar Odom, Andrew Bynum, Shannon Brown
Wow, what a lineup! But, it really brings to the front two issues for the Lakers: their lack of depth and their weakness at the point guard position (with a 36 year old Fisher).
To be accurate, this is a dream scenario for the Lakers. Even if they had to swap the two players, this would put Bosh on an amazing team. Salary-wise this deal will not happen, unless Bosh decides that he does not care what he makes and just cares about winning some rings.
There is a lot on Bosh’s plate here. Does he want to win (Lakers)? Does he want to get paid (Raptors or Knicks)? Does he want to roll the dice and hope the Bulls will be that much better than his Raptors? Or, does he want to give Miami a shot. Miami is the team in the middle, which is very intriguing. They are a decent squad that can offer him decent money. The question is: will that be enough?
R.S. De France is a College and University instructor of English Composition. He has a B.A. in English and an M.A. in Rhetoric, Composition, and Writing. One of his life-long pursuits has been writing and covering anything related to sports, specifically the NBA. Recently, De France, his wife, and another colleague started an internationally read magazine at Shwibly.com.
