FILE - In this Feb. 3, 2015, file photo, Miami Heat center Chris Bosh passes around the defense of Detroit Pistons forward Greg Monroe during an NBA basketball game in Auburn Hills, Mich. Bosh says he will have further exams on his strained right calf when he returns to Miami, trying to determine the extent of the problem. Bosh was with teammates for the Eastern Conference All-Star practice Saturday, Feb. 13, 2016, but will not play in Sunday's game. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio, File)

TORONTO - Raptor fans haven't forgotten Chris Bosh. And in some Toronto quarters, seven seasons of loyal service still doesn't buy you much other than boos.

The Miami Heat big man got a decidedly mixed reception Saturday when he was interviewed during the East all-star practice. To add injury to insult, Bosh is a spectator this weekend after pulling out of the festivities to protect a strained right calf.

Asked if he takes the Toronto boos as a compliment, Bosh answered in the affirmative.

"That's passion," the 31-year-old said with a chuckle. "There's some feeling there.

"But the time I had here was amazing. It was a struggle — constantly. I wish we could have won more games and had more chances to be in the playoffs. But we didn't. The fans were great. They received me well.

"I think it really kind of jump-started my career. I had a lot of success here. I didn't have the team success I wanted. But I had a great time."

Current Raptors star DeMar DeRozan says Bosh deserves better from the Toronto fans.

"To me, I feel like the fans shouldn't boo Chris," DeRozan said. "He did a lot for this city. He made his decision, he moved on, and now we have a new era of Toronto Raptors. Appreciate that, and appreciate what you had before. ... he's just had to do what he had to do."

Back in the day, the six-foot-11 Bosh did not help his cause by complaining that he could not get the cable he wanted in Toronto. Plus Raptors fans were tired of seeing their stars leave.

It didn't help that he joined a team that consistently had the Raptors' number. Bosh helped the Heat defeat Toronto 12 times before he finally lost to his former club last December.

As Toronto fans derided him, Bosh won championships and added to his list of all-star appearances. He pulled down his 7,500th career rebound at Golden State on Jan. 11 and scored his 17,000th career point on Jan. 22 — in Toronto

A relaxed Bosh told reporters Saturday that his calf injury had been "lingering," and that he was just being "smart and cautious."

"I didn't feel it was wise to continue to push it, especially with this elongated week that we have off. I just wanted to make sure I was taking the necessary precautions and being a good professional."

Still he says missing his 11th all-star game in the city where he once played was a "bummer." But better than the alternative.

"It's just one of those funny things where if you feel like it's not really turning the corner, you know calfs can really turn into a major major problem."

Bosh says he's "pretty optimistic" that the issue is not something more serious.

"When we get back to Miami, we'll do everything we need to do to make sure it's right."

Bosh competed in last year's all-star shooting stars competition and the all-star game itself despite feeling pain in his side.

His season subsequently ended prematurely because of a blood clot on his lung, a problem that he believes originated from a calf injury. It was serious enough that he feared for his life when first admitted to hospital.

Bosh has been replaced in Sunday's all-star game by Atlanta's Al Horford. Portland's C.J. McCollum took his spot in Saturday's three-point event.

Back in Toronto, Bosh marvelled at the new construction in the city and how a tour with old friends turned into a trip down Memory Lane.

"We're going by all the old spots we used to kick it at. It's just a lot different. It's crazy."

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With files from Canadian Press reporter Lori Ewing.

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News from © The Canadian Press, 2016