Like A Bosh

LeBron James is a 3-time MVP. Dwyane Wade is a former Finals MVP and the best shooting guard in the game. Is it any surprise that Chris Bosh becomes the whipping boy when things go sour for the Miami Heat?

He's been lambasted for poor shooting performances, labeled as "soft", not aggressive enough, etc.

When this team was constructed, it was done with the notion that three solid scorers in their prime would lead to a dynasty instantly. The basketball gods prevented it from happening last year and it appears the lesson still hasn't been learned.

This is a top heavy roster. After the "Big 3" and Mario Chalmers, who do you trust on that roster? Not only to sink open shots, but play sold defense, rebound consistently, facilitate the offense, anything? My answer is nobody. Haslem and Battier used to be excellent role players, but their field goal percentages have dropped drastically. They can hardly sink the shots that have kept them in the league. The same can be said for Mike Miller, who was brought to this team to be the designated gunner.

Here lies the issue: when your roster is THIS top heavy,  your top guys must be special nearly every night. Now, with Bosh out indefinitely, Wade and LeBron must be otherworldly. Not just good, like Shaq-and-Kobe-level good. When they're not? Game 3 in Indiana happens. One poor game from Wade shows just how small this squad's margin for error.

In my mind, they can still win the title. It'll just be very taxing. What's disappointing is that this is what it took for people to appreciate what Chris Bosh does for this team. He is a stretch 4. Nearly every contender has one. He hits that mid-range jumper so consistently, that every defense must account for him. Teams need a tertiary scorer and a variety of other contributions from players 3-8.

Bosh's is having the last laugh. For one night, he made both fans and media types realize just how large of a role he plays. Where are the Bosh jokes now?