Chris Bosh Putting On Weight, Preparing For Center Duties

The newly minted NBA champion has been talking lately about gaining some weight in order to facilitate a move to the center spot.

“Chris Bosh is adding bulk (six pounds of lean muscle) to prepare for the rigors of playing a full season at center.”

Via CBS Sports’ Eye On Basketball

Now, that is pretty interesting. Here’s another note to keep in mind: Bosh has already put on 6 pounds to this point. So, Chris Bosh, standing at 241 pounds and fresh off of a series where the outcome was largely decided on his shooting from outside, wants to switch to playing at the 5.

Long known for being one of the NBA’s most talented forwards, Bosh is trying to help fill a certain hole on the Heat roster. As I’ve said before, the Heat have very little need for a true center (regardless of the Dwight situation). Could Bosh be setting himself up for regression in the upcoming season?

Now, let’s be clear. This a professional athlete we’re talking about here. There’s very little chance that Bosh decides to throw on something like 30 pounds. These athletes (mostly) take care of their bodies, as they should. When 10 pounds constitute the difference between improvement and occupational hazard, every little detail matters. But, accounting (perhaps over-accounting) for the human factor, one must ask…could the weight gain negatively affect Chris Bosh this upcoming season?

Long seen as a stretch 4 by most, Chris Bosh has made his mark from several ranges on the floor. On a season where he averaged 18 ppg and 8 rpg, Bosh shot to the tune of 48.7% from the field. Considering the amount of those shots were from mid range, Bosh showed continued success from that area.

What’s more interesting is Bosh’s prowess in the post area. He’s shown efficiency when scoring at the rim (66.5%). He’s among the league’s best at drawing contact. Bosh was considered a release valve option when the Heat’s play would break down. He would regularly find himself in ideal position and at the very worst, he would go to the line (getting fouled on 35% of his shots, shooting 82.1% from the stripe).

What can a shift in weight do for Bosh in the positive?

From close-range (at the rim), Bosh’s 61% assist rate showed that this was his most effective area when scoring and assisting on shots. If he were to put on, say, 15 lbs of muscle. With that weight, Bosh might lose some of his mobility, but his contact rate (rate at which he goes to line) should be positively affected. His added strength could result in an increased comfort level in the post (Bosh already has those long arms).

The only thing I can almost certainly guarantee is that Bosh wont be putting on an Eddy Curry circa 2010 image any time soon. Look for the Heat’s all star forward to become more of an efficient bruiser in the post, and maybe even Miami’s first true post option.