Luol Deng believes Chris Bosh's impact on the Miami Heat cannot be underestimated as the star forward prepares to make his return to competitive action.

Bosh was forced to sit out the latter stages of the 2014-15 season due to blood clots on his lungs and the Heat subsequently failed to make the Eastern Conference play-offs.

However, Bosh has thankfully made a full recovery and the 10-time NBA All-Star's availability represents a major boost to Miami, who start the new campaign against the Charlotte Hornets on Wednesday.

Deng told Omnisport: "We had a hard time last year without him, he does a lot of things besides scoring, rebounding and all that, just some things that a team-mate does that you could never put on a spreadsheet.

"The biggest thing about having him back is really his personality and who he is as a person more than a basketball player."

Former Chicago Bulls and Cleveland Cavaliers small forward Deng also hailed the qualities of Dwyane Wade, a player set to begin his 13th season with the Heat.

"He has been there forever. He knows how to win, he is comfortable with the system, he is comfortable with the guys, it was a no-brainer [for him to stay]," added Deng.

"I think you lose him and go you go out and try and sign someone as good as him which doesn't make sense so I'm glad that he's back, he's a great team-mate.

"We really have a strong team now, and I think the guys are very close together. I think it is going to be a great year and I think it is going to be very exciting."