Toronto, Alberta, Canada (AHN) – Following in the footsteps of Cavaliers general manager Chris Grant, who criticized LeBron James’ antics, Raptors GM Bryan Colangelo had similar criticism against James’ new teammate Chris Bosh.
Bosh, who spent the first seven years of his NBA career in Toronto before bolting to the Miami Heat in a sign-and-trade deal last month, was the main topic of conversation Monday during Colangelo’s interview on 590 The Fan in Toronto.
Colangelo accused the All-Star of quitting on the team as Toronto pushed for the final playoff spot with the Chicago Bulls.
“Whether he was mentally checked out or just wasn’t quite into it down the stretch, he wasn’t the same guy,” Colangelo told the station. “I think everybody saw that, but no one wanted to acknowledge it.”
Bosh, who averaged a career-high 24 points and 10.8 rebounds in 70 games, was unable to lead the Raptors to the postseason despite the impressive numbers.
Bosh elected to not dress out for several key games down the stretch because of an injured knee that was questioned by Raptors medical staff.
One of the games Bosh missed was a 104-88 loss at home to Chicago on April 11. The loss, a fifth consecutive defeat, proved to be the difference in the Raptors not making the playoffs.
The Bulls vaulted over the Raptors in the standings and maintained the lead, as the Raptors won their final two games to end the regular season.
The Raptors, who qualified for the playoffs twice during Bosh’s tenure but never won a series, finished with a 40-42 record, one game behind the Bulls in the race for the final playoff berth.
“Despite limited swelling and any excessive damage on an MRI, he [Bosh] felt like he needed to sit for six more games,” Colangelo added of the questionable injury.
“I’m not even questioning Chris’ injury. I’m telling you he was cleared to play subject to tolerance on his part, and the tolerance just apparently wasn’t there and he chose not to play.”
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