Bosh played 2-3 weeks with blood clot, will resume full basketball activities in September

Chris Bosh has a long road to recovery ahead of him, but he's expected to be fit and healthy when the 2015-16 season begins. 

The Miami Heat announced Monday that Bosh will be re-evaluated later in March and, if cleared, will begin exercising. The team expects him to resume full basketball activities in September.

Bosh last played in the All-Star Game in mid-February before being diagnosed with a blood clot on one of his lungs, which ruled him out for the rest of the season.

Bosh met with the media Monday night in Miami, making his return to the Heat after an extended absence. "I'm just glad to be back where I belong," he said. The big man's feeling a lot better after dealing with significant pain, and thanked everyone for the love and well-wishes, saying they kept him uplifted and in good spirits during a difficult time.

Bosh said he played for about two-to-three weeks with the blood clot, simply assuming that whatever was ailing him wasn't serious, and concentrating on other things.

"I just wanted to play ball," he said. "Go out there and help the team win. The situation with the team has been tough this year, and I didn't want to continue to add to the snowball that was already going on." 

After dealing with significant pain, Bosh, on the advice of his wife, finally went to a doctor.

"I had to swallow my pride. I had to put my pride to the side, and usually the woman will be the first to tell you to do that." 

Bosh added that he was never scared, even after the diagnosis. While he did momentarily worry he might never play basketball again, he said he instead focused on positive thinking and making the best of a bad situation. 

"I knew I was going to play basketball again," Bosh said, adding that he's put his faith in his doctors and will be patient in his recovery. He said he was never scared throughout the ordeal, only surprised, and that most of his thoughts concerned basketball and how his absence would affect the Heat. 

Bosh averaged 21.1 points - his highest in five years in Miami - seven rebounds, and 2.2 assists in 44 games, as he became more of a focal point in head coach Erik Spoelstra's offense after the departure of LeBron James. 

The soon-to-be 31-year-old received an outpouring of support from the NBA and basketball communities after his diagnosis, and news of his expected return to full health is great for the game. 

In the meanwhile, Bosh has been spending a lot of time with his kids at home. He was clearly in good spirits Monday evening, saying he spends a lot of time playing with his children, doing a little bit of walking, while also taking time to reflect and sit outside and enjoy the Miami weather. 

Bosh addressed the Heat crowd before Monday's game, and received a standing ovation. He thanked the crowd for their support, and asked for their continued support as the Heat try to make the playoffs.