Chris Bosh's Toronto Raptors Legacy
By: Stephen Brotherston Last Updated: 8/17/10 11:56 AM ET
For many fans in Toronto, the memory of Chris Bosh has quickly become that of yet another American All-Star basketball player who fled Canada for the comfort and familiarity of playing in his native United States. Bosh was just one more kid who couldn't handle how "different" living in Canada was for six months out of the year. Who knew the metric system was that scary?
Maybe NBA Commissioner David Stern's dream of invading Europe and Asia is really still generations away from reality?
But Bosh, like Vince Carter before him, spent seven years north of the US border and opted to sign a free agent deal with the Raptors before taking his talents south. At least Bosh honored the full measure of his contract instead of whining his way out of town mid-season. Maybe that is what should influence Raptors fans to boo or not to boo Bosh on his return next season.
During their stay in Toronto, both Bosh and Carter wrote themselves into the Raptors record books for the long-term. Bosh's Raptors legacy includes taking the franchise's most shots and the most free throws, grabbing the most rebounds, scoring the most points, and having the most turnovers
By: Stephen Brotherston Last Updated: 8/17/10 11:56 AM ET
For many fans in Toronto, the memory of Chris Bosh has quickly become that of yet another American All-Star basketball player who fled Canada for the comfort and familiarity of playing in his native United States. Bosh was just one more kid who couldn't handle how "different" living in Canada was for six months out of the year. Who knew the metric system was that scary?
Maybe NBA Commissioner David Stern's dream of invading Europe and Asia is really still generations away from reality?
But Bosh, like Vince Carter before him, spent seven years north of the US border and opted to sign a free agent deal with the Raptors before taking his talents south. At least Bosh honored the full measure of his contract instead of whining his way out of town mid-season. Maybe that is what should influence Raptors fans to boo or not to boo Bosh on his return next season.
During their stay in Toronto, both Bosh and Carter wrote themselves into the Raptors record books for the long-term. Bosh's Raptors legacy includes taking the franchise's most shots and the most free throws, grabbing the most rebounds, scoring the most points, and having the most turnovers
For many, a player's ultimate legacy is determined in the playoffs, and the playoffs are one area that Bosh leaves Toronto with little to remember him by.
Forget the whining and excuses that the Raptors failed to surround Bosh with enough talent. This five-time All-Star only helped get Toronto to the post-season twice in his seven years there. Only once did Bosh lead the Raptors to more wins than losses in the regular season, and in the playoffs, they were handily dispatched in the first round each time.
In Bosh's one real chance at playoff success, he averaged just 17.5 points and 9.0 rebounds against an inferior New Jersey Nets team in 2007. That was after having the best regular season to that point in his career where he averaged 22.6 points and 10.7 rebounds.
Whether it is fair or unfair, Bosh's Toronto legacy includes an inability to lead his team to success.
Forget the whining and excuses that the Raptors failed to surround Bosh with enough talent. This five-time All-Star only helped get Toronto to the post-season twice in his seven years there. Only once did Bosh lead the Raptors to more wins than losses in the regular season, and in the playoffs, they were handily dispatched in the first round each time.
In Bosh's one real chance at playoff success, he averaged just 17.5 points and 9.0 rebounds against an inferior New Jersey Nets team in 2007. That was after having the best regular season to that point in his career where he averaged 22.6 points and 10.7 rebounds.
Whether it is fair or unfair, Bosh's Toronto legacy includes an inability to lead his team to success.
With all this, what will this popular player's legacy be in Toronto?
After a period of reflection, the out-going Bosh will be remembered for his numerous personal accomplishments while in Toronto and little else. The ultimate feeling most fans will be left with will be one of disappointment. How could a five-time All-Star have accomplished so little, when it appeared that he had so much talent?
After a period of reflection, the out-going Bosh will be remembered for his numerous personal accomplishments while in Toronto and little else. The ultimate feeling most fans will be left with will be one of disappointment. How could a five-time All-Star have accomplished so little, when it appeared that he had so much talent?
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