lefty
08-24-2009, 09:55 AM
Reflecting on the Career of Bruce Bowen
By: Travis Heath ([email protected])
It looks like the career of Bruce Bowen may very well be over. There's still a chance someone could help the 38-year-old hang on for another season, but such a scenario is looking less-and-less likely by the day.
Given the aforementioned circumstances, it seems like an appropriate time to start reflecting on Bowen's career. In short, this man was one of the most hated players in the history of the game by fans of opposing teams across the country for his "in your face" style of defense. Opposing players weren't big fans, either, with some openly calling him a "dirty player."
Truth is, Bowen did use some dirty tactics from time-to-time. That said, I can't help but respect what the guy did night in and night out. He did the job so few NBA players in this generation were willing to do. He also did what he had to do to stick in the NBA for 13 years as an undrafted player out of Cal-State Fullerton
Perhaps I'm in the minority, but I'm going to miss watching Bowen harass a guy like Kobe Bryant . Thing is, I think Kobe will actually miss him, too, because Bowen pushed him to elevate his game during the course of their many battles over the years.
I'm sure there are still some bitter fans around the country who will insist they are happy to see Bowen go. Fair enough. But I'm willing to bet most fans and players respect what Bowen did during his time as a player.
Bowen will get nothing but respect from your friendly neighborhood columnist on his way out the door. And for those wondering, Bowen was not necessarily a fun or easy guy to work with as a media member. As such, my respect for Bowen really has nothing to do with any sort of personal interactions we had over the years. Instead, it's all about respecting the niche the guy carved out for himself over the years through hard work and a willingness to do the dirty work so many other players weren't willing to do.
http://www.hoopsworld.com/Story.asp?story_id=13648
By: Travis Heath ([email protected])
It looks like the career of Bruce Bowen may very well be over. There's still a chance someone could help the 38-year-old hang on for another season, but such a scenario is looking less-and-less likely by the day.
Given the aforementioned circumstances, it seems like an appropriate time to start reflecting on Bowen's career. In short, this man was one of the most hated players in the history of the game by fans of opposing teams across the country for his "in your face" style of defense. Opposing players weren't big fans, either, with some openly calling him a "dirty player."
Truth is, Bowen did use some dirty tactics from time-to-time. That said, I can't help but respect what the guy did night in and night out. He did the job so few NBA players in this generation were willing to do. He also did what he had to do to stick in the NBA for 13 years as an undrafted player out of Cal-State Fullerton
Perhaps I'm in the minority, but I'm going to miss watching Bowen harass a guy like Kobe Bryant . Thing is, I think Kobe will actually miss him, too, because Bowen pushed him to elevate his game during the course of their many battles over the years.
I'm sure there are still some bitter fans around the country who will insist they are happy to see Bowen go. Fair enough. But I'm willing to bet most fans and players respect what Bowen did during his time as a player.
Bowen will get nothing but respect from your friendly neighborhood columnist on his way out the door. And for those wondering, Bowen was not necessarily a fun or easy guy to work with as a media member. As such, my respect for Bowen really has nothing to do with any sort of personal interactions we had over the years. Instead, it's all about respecting the niche the guy carved out for himself over the years through hard work and a willingness to do the dirty work so many other players weren't willing to do.
http://www.hoopsworld.com/Story.asp?story_id=13648