Harvey: For Bowen, It's A One-Way Ticket

[duncan228]

For Bowen, it's a one-way ticket (http://blogs.mysanantonio.com/weblogs/buckharvey/2009/06/for-bowen-its-a-one-way-ticket.html#more)
Buck Harvey

I understand the affection for Bruce Bowen. I wrote something with similar sentiment in late April before the Mavericks eliminated the Spurs.

I called Game 5 an "Opening Farewell" for him. This trade, by all appearances, is the closing one.

Teams aren't built on popularity. If they were, George Gervin would still be starting at off-guard.

More to the point: Those who think the Spurs will bring back Bowen after Milwaukee buys out his contract are ignoring what is in front of them.

The Spurs, after all, tried to trade Bowen last winter. He fell out of Gregg Popovich's rotation, even when there were reasons to stick with him. He likely wouldn't have played at all at the end of the season had Manu Ginobili been healthy.

Now Richard Jefferson moves in to be the full-time starter and take the majority of the minutes at the three position. Bowen just turned 38, and most think Michael Finley will play another year, and he's just two years younger Bowen.

What about that suggests there is a place for Bowen on this roster?

One in the organization said as much. "It's time to find the next generation," he said.
_________

No one in the Spurs' locker room was as available to the media as Bowen was.

Now comes Jefferson. He says if he wasn't a professional basketball player, he would be interested in a career in media relations/public relations.

Said one Milwaukee writer: "He's a quote machine. He's always friendly, always ready to answer anything. I felt bad going to him so often. I figured he'd get tired of it. He never did."

[SteelerNation]

This is why I think Bowen will be a Celtic when all is said and done. I dont see the Spurs bringing him back. Much like I dont think the Spurs keep Finley around if he picks up his option. And its also why I think the Spurs may still move Ginobili. Its a business.

[Mel_13]

I choose to remain in denial until he signs a contract with another NBA team.

[Spursfan092120]

I choose to remain in denial until he signs a contract with another NBA team.
:tu exactly

[timvp]

The Spurs, after all, tried to trade Bowen last winter. That doesn't mean much. The Clippers or Nets or whoever else would have probably waived him and he could have come back to San Antonio.

We'll see. Hopefully this isn't the end of the Bowen era.

[manufan10]

I choose to remain in denial until he signs a contract with another NBA team.

:tu

It could be CIA Pop again. Doesn't want to show the league his hand in poker. They can't really say they're bringing Bruce back right away, it would make the deal look fishy like the Stackhouse/J-Kidd "trade" from a few seasons ago.

[Mugen]

it just makes too much sense to resign bowen if he is cut by the bucks. he wants to be here and would be more valuable to his team than any other team in the league. Plus he would still be the best perimeter defender this team has until george realizes his potential.

hes either going to retire or coming back.

hope its the latter.

[Cry Havoc]

This is why I think Bowen will be a Celtic when all is said and done. I dont see the Spurs bringing him back. Much like I dont think the Spurs keep Finley around if he picks up his option. And its also why I think the Spurs may still move Ginobili. Its a business.

Lakers fans with "Steeler" in their username talking about the Celtics shouldn't be allowed on this site, much less listened to. Goodness, go find some teams with a little more room on the bandwagon.

[whottt]

That doesn't mean much. The Clippers or Nets or whoever else would have probably waived him and he could have come back to San Antonio.

We'll see. Hopefully this isn't the end of the Bowen era.

Isn't Buck in the know? I mean maybe isn't that the entire intent of this article? Softening the blow so to speak? Lowering the expectations if you will?


I don't agree with it either, I think Bowen has more value as a spot up shooter than Finley does. He's the guy that's lead the NBA in 3 shooting.

[nkdlunch]

Bowen made more 3s in last playoffs than Finley. Bowen also still can play great D and guard the other team's best perimeter player.

Bowen is coming back.

[BillMc]

I choose to remain in denial until he signs a contract with another NBA team.

Bruce is one of my favorite players so to see him in another uniform would be terrible. If he's lost it, still sign him for the veteran minimum, have him sit at the end of the bench and train Hill and let Bruce retire a Spur at the end of season.

Then bring him back as an assistant coach!

[rayray2k8]

He'll be back. The will probably waive him and just keep Thomas.
Then again, no one really saw them dealing Oberto to the Pistons.

[Spurminator]

I wouldn't be surprised either way and I'm preparing myself for the worst. It would be one thing if Bowen wasn't demoted to a rotation afterthought at the end of last year.

[HarlemHeat37]

All this means to me is that the local media is just playing the part in pretending that Bowen is gone so the league won't say anything..

[phyzik]

For Bowen, it's a one-way ticket (http://blogs.mysanantonio.com/weblogs/buckharvey/2009/06/for-bowen-its-a-one-way-ticket.html#more)
Buck Harvey

I understand the affection for Bruce Bowen. I wrote something with similar sentiment in late April before the Mavericks eliminated the Spurs.

I called Game 5 an "Opening Farewell" for him. This trade, by all appearances, is the closing one.

Teams aren't built on popularity. If they were, George Gervin would still be starting at off-guard.

More to the point: Those who think the Spurs will bring back Bowen after Milwaukee buys out his contract are ignoring what is in front of them.

The Spurs, after all, tried to trade Bowen last winter. He fell out of Gregg Popovich's rotation, even when there were reasons to stick with him. He likely wouldn't have played at all at the end of the season had Manu Ginobili been healthy.

Now Richard Jefferson moves in to be the full-time starter and take the majority of the minutes at the three position. Bowen just turned 38, and most think Michael Finley will play another year, and he's just two years younger Bowen.

What about that suggests there is a place for Bowen on this roster?

One in the organization said as much. "It's time to find the next generation," he said.
_________

No one in the Spurs' locker room was as available to the media as Bowen was.

Now comes Jefferson. He says if he wasn't a professional basketball player, he would be interested in a career in media relations/public relations.

Said one Milwaukee writer: "He's a quote machine. He's always friendly, always ready to answer anything. I felt bad going to him so often. I figured he'd get tired of it. He never did."


http://icanhascheezburger.files.wordpress.com/2008/05/funny-pictures-beaver-cant-hear-you.jpg

[ploto]

Buck just doing his job of preparing fans for Bowen not being back.

Where did all the people go who want the Spurs to get younger? If you have Manu, RJ, Mason, and Finley, how does bringing Bowen back leave any room to develop a young guy? Sometimes, the old guy who contract happens to run out is the one to go- like Horry.

And maybe Bruce wants to do more than sit at the end of the bench and cheer? Even Pop said he only got to play because Manu got hurt.

[phyzik]

Buck just doing his job of preparing fans for Bowen not being back.

Where did all the people go who want the Spurs to get younger? If you have Manu, RJ, Mason, and Finley, how does bringing Bowen back leave any room to develop a young guy? Sometimes, the old guy who contract happens to run out is the one to go- like Horry.

And maybe Bruce wants to do more than sit at the end of the bench and cheer? Even Pop said he only got to play because Manu got hurt.

even though I know I cant, I want it both ways dammit! Get younger AND keep Bowen! :depressed

[Brazil]

I choose to remain in denial until he signs a contract with another NBA team.

[xellos88330]

Well, IMO, if Bowen doesn't come back to SA then it most likely means that the Spurs are going to bring Gist over.

[Raoul Duke]

I think when he gets let go he will be forced to retire like Horry. The Spurs let him go and after being available for a year no one was interested so he was forced to retire.

[Spurs Brazil]

There’s no chance Bowen returns to the Spurs if the Bucks buy him out as well. His relationship with Gregg Popovich deteriorated with his dwindling role a year ago, and that partnership is over. …

http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news;_ylt=AlWT5BRnRNqLiFVh86RD1i68vLYF?slug=aw-draftbuzz062409&prov=yhoo&type=lgns

[Bruno]

:
It could be CIA Pop again. Doesn't want to show the league his hand in poker. They can't really say they're bringing Bruce back right away, it would make the deal look fishy like the Stackhouse/J-Kidd "trade" from a few seasons ago.

Agree, it could be a CIA move.

In the case that Spurs don't want him, it will be damn sad not to see him with a Spurs jersey. I will wait to see who will play his minutes before saying if I find that it is a basketball mistake or not.

[Man In Black]

Straight-up deflection piece.

[Spursmania]

I choose to remain in denial until he signs a contract with another NBA team.

Me too

[baseline bum]

There’s no chance Bowen returns to the Spurs if the Bucks buy him out as well. His relationship with Gregg Popovich deteriorated with his dwindling role a year ago, and that partnership is over. …

http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news;_ylt=AlWT5BRnRNqLiFVh86RD1i68vLYF?slug=aw-draftbuzz062409&prov=yhoo&type=lgns

If that was Ludden, I might take that seriously.

[Dex]

http://icanhascheezburger.files.wordpress.com/2008/05/funny-pictures-beaver-cant-hear-you.jpg

:lmao

Harvey trying to do his best CIA Buck.

Nothing going on here at all, NBA. Move along, move along.

[weebo]

I think everyone here (and I include myself) is really appreciative what BB did for the Spurs during his time here. However, I think its time for all of us to turn the page. This team needs to get younger and more athletic in order for them to compete with the Lakers, Rockets, and Blazers of the world. Don't feel sorry or bad for BB. He's had a great run here and because of that he will always be remembered as one of the toughest meanest defenders in the modern day NBA.

[buttsR4rebounding]

Bowen will be back...he'll be replacing Sean Elliott as color commentator on the TV broadcasts. He'd be a riot.:danceclub

[SenorSpur]

I think everyone here (and I include myself) is really appreciative what BB did for the Spurs during his time here. However, I think its time for all of us to turn the page. This team needs to get younger and more athletic in order for them to compete with the Lakers, Rockets, and Blazers of the world. Don't feel sorry or bad for BB. He's had a great run here and because of that he will always be remembered as one of the toughest meanest defenders in the modern day NBA.

Amen.

I do admit, I'd rather see Bowen here than Finley, but the Spurs have to go in another direction. As much affection as I had for BB, it's just time.

My memories of how this team has looked the last year and a half, including the team's poor showings in the last 2 playoff series, all work to override any feelings of nostalgia.

[symple19]

Lakers fans with "Steeler" in their username talking about the Celtics shouldn't be allowed on this site, much less listened to. Goodness, go find some teams with a little more room on the bandwagon.
:rollin:lol:tu

[Lebowski Brickowski]

I can understand if the Spurs don't bring him back. But if Bruce doesn't come back and the Spurs keep MICHAL FINLEY -- then I'll fucking cry.

[SteelerNation]

Lakers fans with "Steeler" in their username talking about the Celtics shouldn't be allowed on this site, much less listened to. Goodness, go find some teams with a little more room on the bandwagon.

I'm from Pittsburgh, moron. We dont have an NBA team. I grew up rooting for the Lakers back in the early 80's just because they were the one team that could beat Boston. I hate everything from there. The Patriots, Red Sox, and Celtics. Let me guess, you have been a Spurs fan since 1999. And you are a Cowboy fan. Talk about bandwagon.

[kace]

with tony, manu and RJ (and even Hill) able to score in the backcourt, Bowen would be a great fit. if Mason stays, Bowen is even more a great fit. Finley could go.

seriously, how valuable would be a player like Bowen able to play some minutes anytime we need to check some hot opponent ? who would be better than him, even at 38, for that ? and at the vet min, it's a no brainer.

as said, we could have only few minutes to give to fourth and fifth players behind manu, RJ and maybe Hill at the 2/3 positions. Bowen is a perfect fit for that.

[pad300]

with tony, manu and RJ (and even Hill) able to score in the backcourt, Bowen would be a great fit. if Mason stays, Bowen is even more a great fit. Finley could go.

seriously, how valuable would be a player like Bowen able to play some minutes anytime we need to check some hot opponent ? who would be better than him, even at 38, for that ? and at the vet min, it's a no brainer.

as said, we could have only few minutes to give to fourth and fifth players behind manu, RJ and maybe Hill at the 2/3 positions. Bowen is a perfect fit for that.

Yeah, the fit is too good for him not to be a strong possibility. If your PG (Parker) is a primary scorer, and so is 1 Wing player (either Manu or Jefferson), as is 1 big (Duncan), the other 2 players should really be defenders and spot up shooters to profit from the double teams. At the wing spot, who's going to do that job better than Bowen for a season?

[SA210]

:pop::pctoss

[roycrikside]

I don't think Bowen is coming back. He's valuable as a 30 min starter and not in any other role. The Spurs tried to use him as a spot minute defender last year and it was a disaster. He just wasn't good in that role. Like Fin, he's an awful bench player.

[ulosturedge]

Well maybe Pop is looking to go to Hairston and Williams. Hairston is going to be our new Bruce. We have enough people spotting up for 3s on offense. Atleast hairston brings some slashing and offensive boards with his hustle. Its time to see if we can develop and get some of the youngs some experience. No more wasting time on aging role players >.>.

Bruce did alot for us though. I still want to see his jersey retired here :O

[diego]

just want to echo what others said. finley looks more done than bowen. and bowen deserves more chances than finley for his contributions. and with the current roster it makes sense to have a defensive player getting consistent minutes, or at worst as an insurance policy/mentor type a la vaughn. It just feels wrong for bruce to end his career like this, especially when he gave the spurs a better deal to help them accomodate other players. If he does end up retiring, I hope the spurs at least find him some kind of job on the team, and of course retire his jersey too. I'm still hoping he comes back.

[Russ]

I agree with Buck, no way the Spurs need Bowen any more (unless they play the Lakers in the playoffs).

[rascal]

That doesn't mean much. The Clippers or Nets or whoever else would have probably waived him and he could have come back to San Antonio.

We'll see. Hopefully this isn't the end of the Bowen era.


Hopefully it is. Its time to let go of these old timers. At his age now there is no upside in keeping him. Quickness is important to his game in keeping his man in check and he is quickly losing that quickness.

Do you want to see him struggling to stay with his man because he has lost another step which is bound to happen if the spurs hang on to him too long?
I want productive players on the court as much as possible and Bowen just has downside now.

[rascal]

I agree with Buck, no way the Spurs need Bowen any more (unless they play the Lakers in the playoffs).

They will play the lakers but Bowen will not be of any help. He cannot even slow Kobe down.

[pawe]

Bowen is an integral part in the Spurs' defensive and even offensive system. We all know the team loves to pass the ball to corner threes and Bruce is one of the best in exploiting that area. He will be back! Book it!

[Budkin]

Harvey better be hungry because he is going to be eating some huge crow when Bowen comes back.

[ploto]

But if Bruce doesn't come back and the Spurs keep MICHAEL FINLEY -- then I'll fucking cry.

Pop chose Finley over Bowen all season long- why would this be any different?

[Lebowski Brickowski]

Pop chose Finley over Bowen all season long- why would this be any different?

I know -- I cried a little bit inside all season. To keep Finley and actually get rid of Bruce -- that would be way harder to take than to see Finley take Bruce's minutes w/ BB still on the team. I love coach Pop for what he's done for San Antonio but I'll always hate him just a little bit for his man crush on Michael Finley.