Given his incredible level of play over more than two decades, LeBron James has always been his teams’ No. 1 option, the player most relied upon. But that didn’t make him the missing link in his squad, as one of his former Heat teammates explained.

When talking about the famous Big Three of the Heat in the early 2010s, it’s impossible not to talk about LeBron James . What could be more normal after all since the winger was twice voted regular season and Finals MVP during his time in South Beach and he was also the figurehead of the franchise, even alongside true superstars like Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh.

It was often the back who was cited as the Chosen One’s main support on the field, while CB1 often remained in the shadows. A real lack of respect according to his fans, especially since his teammates at the time held him in very high esteem. Udonis Haslem also used very strong words on his podcast to explain how valuable the interior had proven to be for Miami:

Chris Bosh, the real missing link in LeBron’s Heat?

Everyone thinks our most important player was LeBron. Chris Bosh wasn’t our best player, but he was the most important. Because if LeBron got hurt, then you could give the reins to D-Wade instead. He’s not the same player, but you’ll get similar results because the guy can make plays, he can put up 30 points.

On the other hand, we didn’t have another CB. If this guy got hurt, we didn’t have anyone to replace him and do what he did. (…) He could shoot three points in pick-and-pop.

More than once, the role of the former Raptor was not properly recognized in Florida, especially since Bosh was often considered the scapegoat when things were not going well.

Paradoxically, he nevertheless showed himself to be exemplary in his attitude and his contribution to the field. No one has forgotten that it was he who handed the ball to Ray Allen during Game 6 of the 2013 Finals. Following the departures of Bron and Wade, he had also performed very well before health problems. come to put an end to his career as a Hall of Famer. Enough to nourish many regrets towards him.

What if Chris Bosh never had blood clots…

Being the best player on a team does not automatically mean being the most important player. Chris Bosh is a good example, having accepted shadow work within the Heat’s Big Three as well as changing his style of play, moving to the center position and moving away from the circle. An absolute model of professionalism.