Chris Bosh Joins TNT, Won’t Attempt Comeback This Season

Veteran Heat big man Chris Bosh has signed on with TNT as a studio analyst, the network announced on Thursday. As Ira Winderman of The South Florida Sun Sentinel details, Bosh will appear on TNT for five consecutive Mondays as an analyst, starting next week.

“We’re thrilled to have Chris make appearances with our Players Only studio team and we look forward to incorporating his fresh take and informed perspective into this new TNT series,” said Turner Sports executive VP Craig Barry in a statement. “Chris is still deeply connected with today’s NBA players and his insights into the game will further enhance the experience for our viewers.”

Bosh’s work for TNT is the strongest signal to date that his efforts to return to the court will be put on hold. Having missed more than a year due to blood-clot issues, Bosh hasn’t given up on the idea of making a comeback, but if it happens, it appears it won’t happen this season, given his new TV commitment.

As Winderman writes, the Heat have contended that Bosh’s health concerns make him medically unfit to continue his playing career. The team is expected to move forward in the coming weeks with the process of removing his contract from its cap — a doctor jointly approved by the NBA and the NBPA would have to rule Bosh medically unfit to play for the Heat to remove that salary. In that scenario, Bosh would still be paid the rest of the money left on his deal, but Miami would open up a significant chunk of cap room for the next few seasons.

Bosh currently isn’t in basketball shape, and suggested in a January interview with The Associated Press that he’s “getting the taste of retirement,” so there’s no guarantee he renews his comeback efforts next season. The 32-year-old did hire a new agent – Rob Pelinka – in 2016, but Pelinka’s ability to find Bosh opportunities outside of basketball was one factor in that decision. Of course, with Pelinka set to become the new Lakers GM, he will no longer be able to represent Bosh.