Bosh pulls out of All-Star game due to calf strain, replaced by Horford
Toronto fans won't have a chance to boo or not boo prodigal son Chris Bosh, after all.
The former Raptor and current Miami Heat power forward has withdrawn from Sunday's NBA All-Star game due to a right calf strain, the Heat announced Friday.
The news was first reported by Adrian Wojnarowski of The Vertical.
Bosh will be replaced in the game by Atlanta Hawks center Al Horford.
What a privilege to be named to the #NBAAllStarTO team. Looking forward to representing Atlanta! #Grateful
— Al Horford (@Al_Horford) February 12, 2016
It's unclear when Bosh suffered the injury, or when he decided not to play. He took part in All-Star media availability on Friday afternoon, a few hours before Wojnarowski's report, and expressed excitement about playing in the game and participating in Saturday's 3-point shootout.
Bosh missed multiple games due to a calf strain last year, before being forced to shut things down after the All-Star break due to a blood clot in his lung. But he's had a clean bill of health this season, and is the only Heat player to have suited up for each of the team's 53 games.
Bosh's calf injury comes completely out of left field. Sensitive issue because Bosh traced blood clot to possible calf strain last year.
— Michael Wallace (@MyMikeCheck) February 12, 2016
This was Bosh's 11th consecutive All-Star selection. It's the second time he'll have to sit out, having also skipped the 2009 edition due to a knee injury.
Bosh is averaging 19.1 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 2.4 assists for the 29-24 Heat, while shooting 46.7 percent from the field and 36.5 percent from deep.
Portland Trail Blazers shooting guard C.J. McCollum will replace Bosh in the 3-point shootout.