Bosh teases possible NBA return this season: 'I'm not done yet'

An old face has emerged as a potential free-agent target for contenders.

Chris Bosh, who hasn't played in the NBA since February 2016 due to setbacks from repeated instances of blood clots, was candid about his recovery process Thursday on ESPN's "First Take." When asked by host Stephen A. Smith about making a comeback to basketball, the former Toronto Raptors and Miami Heat big man didn't rule out the possibility.

"I've been hitting the gym, I can still play basketball. No, I'm not done yet. ... I'm trying to come back," Bosh said. "I see all these guys shooting threes and not playing defense, man, I gotta get some of it."

The 11-time All-Star's career looked to be over permanently in June 2017, when an NBA doctor said his illness was career-ending, thereby allowing the Heat to waive Bosh and not have his salary count against their cap.

Though he hasn't seen the court in more than two years, he admits that while the start of the 2018-19 campaign is a more realistic target date, there's a chance he could sign before the March 1 cutoff date for free agents to be eligible for the postseason.

"Next season, yeah," Bosh said when asked about a likely return date. "The roster spots haven't been filled this season yet, so it's always a possibility."

Drafted fourth overall by the Raptors in 2003, Bosh played seven seasons north of the border before joining LeBron James and Dwyane Wade in Miami as a free agent in 2010. Asked who he'd consider signing with this season, he listed the teams with the NBA's best records.

"A winning situation. ... Top three," he said of his hopeful landing spot. "I would say right now Houston, Golden State, man, Toronto's playing well right now, you gotta put them in the top three."

"You would go back to Toronto?" Smith asked.

"I didn't say that, you asked me who my top three was. ... I'm a free agent: whoever makes me the best deal," Bosh said.

Over 13 seasons in the NBA, Bosh averaged 19.2 points on 49.4 percent shooting from the field, 8.5 rebounds, and two assists.