Miami Heat power forward/center Chris Bosh has been ruled out for the remainder of the season due to blood clots on his lung, starting a wave of NBA-wide concern after former Portland Trail Blazers small forward Jerome Kersey died from the same thing just days before.
For days NBA insiders had speculated that Bosh's ailment could be season-ending. Kersey, who was 52, died on Wednesday after a blood clot reportedly traveled from his calf to his lung, resulting in a fatal pulmonary thromboembolism.
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On Saturday, the Miami Heat released a statement, addressing Bosh's health and status with the team:
[Bosh] is receiving care under the guidance of Miami HEAT team physicians at a Baptist Health System Hospital, is currently resting comfortably. Chris is OK and his prognosis is good.
In the days before confirmation of Bosh's condition, a number of NBA players delivered notes of support to the widely admired player -- many understanding the seriousness of the his condition due Kersey's recent passing -- via Twitter.
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
Praying for you and your family @chrisbosh— Kobe Bryant (@kobebryant) February 20, 2015
The loss of Bosh is also a hard blow to the team's short-term plans. Earlier this week, the Heat signed coveted point guard Goran Dragic, a player many expected, in combination with Bosh (the team's highest-paid player at over $20 million a year), to make Miami a possible Eastern Conference contender.
RT @SFSkyforce: Somethings are bigger than basketball. We’re thinking about you, @chrisbosh. #GetWellCB pic.twitter.com/LrxiV1lobn— Miami HEAT (@MiamiHEAT) February 21, 2015
On Saturday evening, Bosh shared a photo of himself undergoing treatment on Instagram and thanked his supporters for "all the messages, love."
Thank you for all the messages, love, and support. It has truly lifted my spirits through this tough process. #Heatnation #Iwillbebacksoon #Boshfamily A photo posted by Chris Bosh (@chrisbosh) on Feb 21, 2015 at 7:19pm PST