Chris Bosh earning respect against the Bulls

Throughout the 2010/11 NBA season, Chris Bosh was been viewed by many as a role player rather than a full fledged superstar. Even after finishing the season with an average of 18.7 points and 8.3 rebounds per game, Bosh's abilities as a basketball player were questioned all the way into the playoffs.

There are some legitimate reasons to view Bosh differently from LeBron James and Dwyane Wade. James and Wade are undisputedly two of the top five players in the NBA right now. Bosh, on the other hand, would be lucky to make it on any top ten lists, and that has prompted some to question the huge contract given to Bosh by the Heat.

Bosh took a lot of heat, when Miami struggled against the Boston Celtics in Game 3 of their second round NBA playoff series. Some blamed Bosh for the loss, claiming the 27 year old superstar wasn't ready for high-pressure games.

Even Chicago Bulls forward Carlos Boozer had some sharp words for Bosh. When asked for his thoughts on the Heat's "big three" Boozer replied,

"They have two great players in D. Wade and LeBron. We look forward to the challenge."

Boozer probably wishes he never uttered those words, since Bosh has clearly been a big part of Miami's success in the 2011 eastern conference finals, helping the Heat win three straight games against the Bulls. Bosh is currently averaging 24 points and 7 rebounds against the Bulls, just a point below the Heat's leading scorer LeBron James.

The Heat will need more of the same from Bosh, if they end up meeting the Dallas Mavericks in the 2011 NBA finals. The Mavericks have already won the west, and the Heat are poised to do the same. Bosh will have the difficult task of guarding Mavericks forward Dirk Nowitzki, who has been one of the NBA's best performers in the 2011 playoffs.

One of Nowitzki's best attributes is the fact he's a seven-footer with an excellent jump shop. Bosh is a solid defender with long limbs, and he'll definitely do a better job than others have containing Nowitzki's scoring streaks.

David is a Miami Heat fan that has followed the team for 15 years.

Sources:

Joe Cowley, "Carlos Boozer finally shows up for the Bulls" Chicago Sun-Times

Player and game information from espn.com