Chris Bosh (Part 2)

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17 Mar 2024

Chris Bosh (Part 2)

Christopher Bosh was selected fourth overall by the Toronto Raptors in the 2003 NBA draft, which is widely regarded as one of the strongest draft classes in NBA history. This draft class included future All-Stars such as LeBron James, Carmelo Anthony, and Dwyane Wade. Bosh signed with the Raptors on July 8, 2003, after several NBA teams made offers for him, knowing that the Raptors needed a veteran scorer.
During his rookie season, Bosh was thrust into the role of the Raptors' starting center after Antonio Davis was traded to the Chicago Bulls. Despite being undersized for the position and facing opponents with significant size and strength advantages, Bosh displayed tremendous heart and determination on the court. He cited teammate Michael Curry as his mentor and was praised by coaches for his willingness to play through pain and injuries resulting from his physical disadvantages.
Bosh's rookie season statistics were impressive, as he averaged 11.5 points, 7.4 rebounds, 1.4 blocks, and 33.5 minutes per game in 75 games. He led all rookies in rebounding and blocks and set a franchise record for most rebounds in a rookie season with 557. Bosh's contributions did not go unnoticed, and he was rewarded by being selected to the NBA All-Rookie First Team for the 2003–04 season.

After Vince Carter's departure from the Toronto Raptors in December 2004, Christopher Bosh was thrust into the role of the team's new leader. In the games following Carter's exit, Bosh's performance improved significantly, averaging 18.4 points, 9.5 rebounds, 1.6 blocks, and 38.1 minutes per game. He showed improvement in every major statistical category and was awarded his first NBA Eastern Conference Player of the Week honor for games played between January 3 and 9, 2005. Analysts predicted that Bosh would become an All-Star in the future, recognizing his potential.

In the 2005–06 season, Bosh was named one of Toronto's team captains and continued to excel on the court, consistently recording double-doubles and leading the team in scoring, rebounding, and field goal percentage. His stellar performance earned him a spot on the Eastern Conference All-Star team as a reserve forward, marking his first All-Star selection. Bosh became only the third Raptor to make an All-Star appearance, following Carter and Antonio Davis. Just days before his All-Star selection, Bosh was named NBA Eastern Conference Player of the Week for the second time in his career.
However, Bosh's season was cut short due to a season-ending injury in March 2006. The Raptors struggled without him, highlighting his importance as the centerpiece of the offense and the leader of the team. Despite his absence, Bosh finished the season with impressive averages of 22.5 points, 9.2 rebounds, and 2.6 assists per game. The Raptors ended the season with a record of 27–55.

Following a major overhaul of the Toronto Raptors roster in the off-season, including the departure of key players Mike James and Charlie Villanueva, Christopher Bosh signed a three-year contract extension with a player option for a fourth year on July 14, 2006. The contract was reportedly worth $65 million over four years. Bosh expressed optimism about the franchise's future and his commitment to the team, stating, "I think the future is very positive for the franchise... change was needed... we have a lot of guys who just want to win and are willing to work hard." Additionally, Bosh announced a donation of $1 million to a Toronto charity, known as Community Legacy Programs.

During the 2006–07 season, the Raptors initially struggled but managed to surpass the .500 mark as the All-Star break approached, thanks in large part to Bosh's stellar play and leadership. On January 25, 2007, Bosh was named an All-Star starter for the Eastern Conference in the 2007 NBA All-Star Game, receiving the second-highest number of votes among all Eastern Conference forwards. This marked Bosh's first All-Star start and second overall All-Star appearance. In January 2007, Bosh's exceptional performance earned him the title of Eastern Conference Player of the Month, averaging 25.4 points and 9.1 rebounds while leading the Raptors to a 10–5 record.

Bosh continued his impressive play throughout the season, setting franchise records and earning recognition as one of the league's top players. He became the franchise record holder for double-doubles in a game in March 2007 and was named Eastern Conference Player of the Week for the third time in his career. Bosh led the Raptors to their first playoff berth in five years and their first-ever division title, finishing the regular season with a 47–35 record. Despite a valiant effort in the playoffs, the Raptors were eliminated by the New Jersey Nets in the first round. Bosh's outstanding performance throughout the season earned him a spot on the All-NBA Second Team at the end of the campaign.