The Memphis Grizzlies have announced their lineup for their annual Martin Luther King Jr Day celebration game, and Chris Bosh is among the impressive guest list.
Over the course of this current decade, the Memphis Grizzlies have had some fun and hard-fought battles against the Miami Heat, especially those matchups featuring the “Big Three” of LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, and Chris Bosh.
On the positive end of things for the Grizzlies, fans probably remember Rudy Gay‘s buzzer-beating, game-winning triple over LeBron from the right free-throw line extended. The Grindhouse was electrifying after that miraculous shot.
Plus, who could forget the flame-throwing Wayne Ellington, who happens to be on the Miami Heat’s roster today. Perhaps his best performance as a member of the Memphis Grizzlies took place in November of 2012 when he splashed home seven-of-ten triples en route to a Grizzly win over Miami. Little did Ellington know that he would eventually become a member of the Heat.
There is not much “history” to the Grizzlies and Heat matchup. There is not any bad blood between the two NBA franchises. However, you can almost guarantee a close matchup and an entertaining 48 minutes when these two teams face off against one another.
With further evidence, though the Memphis Grizzlies lost the season series 0-2 following Saturday’s loss at Miami, the two games were decided by a combined seven points. Losses are tough, but it has been fun to duel with the Heat yet again in the New Year.
Oddly enough, as the Grizzlies were preparing for the Heat, Saturday saw Heat-related news out of Memphis pertaining to the annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day game that will be held in Memphis on January 21st.
The Memphis Grizzlies never disappoint with their cast of guest appearances to be honored on MLK Day, and 2019 will be no different. The coincidence is that former Miami Heat superstar Chris Bosh is one of the invitees.
Grizzlies to honor @chrisbosh, Wayne Embry, @Candace_Parker and @BillWalton as part of 17th annual MLK JR. Celebration game on Jan. 21st vs. @PelicansNBA.
— Memphis Grizzlies (@memgrizz) January 12, 2019
Details 🔽https://t.co/620fs3gsIj
Bosh has not played in the NBA since the 2015-16 season, but is not accepting retirement just yet. Though he was cleared by his doctors to return to basketball activities, the Miami Heat’s team doctors would not grant clearance. It is easy to see how a rift would evolve under those circumstances.
Chris Bosh has said to be training for another NBA opportunity, but that window is quickly coming to a close as he is nearing the age of 35. Regardless of his ability to play today if a team were to extend a contract offer, it is about acknowledgement by the NBA and its teams. Bosh was an excellent talent — an 11-time NBA All-Star — through 13 seasons.
Though Chris Bosh was a huge factor in leading the Miami Heat to two NBA World Championships this decade, they have yet to announce when they will officially retire his jersey number. Upon his official release from the Heat, that honor was a part of the ultimate plan.
Since the jersey retirement is pending, the Memphis Grizzlies are providing the first post-playing honors to Chris Bosh — regardless if he plays another day in the NBA.
Per the Grizzlies, Bosh — along with the other special guests — will be honored for “their community work and experiences through their career in sports, in the spirit of Dr. King.”
Though it is rare to see the Memphis Grizzlies on national television, it is great to see the NBA continually allowing the city of Memphis, Tennessee to shine while celebrating the life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.