I miss Bruce Bowen

[SuperManu!!!]

After tonight, with Rose singlehanded killing us, i really miss Bruce. Is there no other player in the league like him? :depressed

[Libri]

Nope, Bruce was one of a kind.

[SouthTexasRancher]

We seriously need to find a clone of Bruce. We have been burned too damn many times this season by players having their best game against us. Hell, Bruce would still be better than anyone we now have. Pop needs to really start working the team on defense in a serious manner between now and the playoffs.

[DesignatedT]

:wakeup

[Obstructed_View]

Don't know how big a deal it is. The Spurs weren't able to get a stop, weren't able to hit a layup, weren't able to make a free throw, and couldn't many bounces to go their way, and it took a great player having a great night at home in a game they really got up for to win. The biggest problem was the ability of the Bulls to break down the team defense, either getting an easy shot inside or a wide open jumper. Bowen wouldn't help with much of that.

[GrandeDavid]

No tenacity tonight. Some guys were simply invisible.

[xmas1997]

Don't know how big a deal it is. The Spurs weren't able to get a stop, weren't able to hit a layup, weren't able to make a free throw, and couldn't many bounces to go their way, and it took a great player having a great night at home in a game they really got up for to win. The biggest problem was the ability of the Bulls to break down the team defense, either getting an easy shot inside or a wide open jumper. Bowen wouldn't help with much of that.

Tell it like it is!
The Bulls defense killed the Spurs offense.
And the Spurs defense was non existent allowing another good player to score career highs against them. That would not have happened had the Spurs played as good a defensive game as the Bulls did.
And I've seen this pattern over and over again this season.
Does this mean the Spurs just don't have what it takes to be a great defensive championship caliber team this year?
Just sayin'.

[ShoogarBear]

Don't know how big a deal it is. The Spurs weren't able to get a stop, weren't able to hit a layup, weren't able to make a free throw, and couldn't many bounces to go their way, and it took a great player having a great night at home in a game they really got up for to win. The biggest problem was the ability of the Bulls to break down the team defense, either getting an easy shot inside or a wide open jumper. Bowen wouldn't help with much of that.

I disagree. Even when this year's Spurs play good defense, they're still not going to take you out of your game.

Bruce had the ability to shut down an offensive game plan, particularly when it depended on one person having a great game.

[Hooks]

Don't know how big a deal it is. The Spurs weren't able to get a stop, weren't able to hit a layup, weren't able to make a free throw, and couldn't many bounces to go their way, and it took a great player having a great night at home in a game they really got up for to win. The biggest problem was the ability of the Bulls to break down the team defense, either getting an easy shot inside or a wide open jumper. Bowen wouldn't help with much of that.


Bowen would've limited Rose to like 20 points max, dude was GREAT at defending PG's. Those doubles/triples on Rose wouldn't be needed either. I remember how Bowen would practically shut down Nash by himself, and that was when he was an MVP, the only way Nash would score would be off a screen or with a pull up 3. Same with CP3, Bowen would pretty much shut him down whenever he guarded him.

[Obstructed_View]

Yeah, you guys are probably right. Bowen was a fucking monster.

[Obstructed_View]

But he can't help guys hit layups and make free throws. He also can't draw up more plays for Gary Neal on a night that he can't fucking miss.

[Budkin]

Udoka was Bruce 2.0!!! :lol

[ShoogarBear]

But he can't help guys hit layups and make free throws. He also can't draw up more plays for Gary Neal on a night that he can't fucking miss.

If Bruce Bowen really wanted to, Bruce Bowen could stop time.

[dbreiden83080]

Bruce was sooo huge to the 03, 05, 07 title teams..

Miss him too..

[spurtech09]

no not bruce...we need a new version of bruce

[ShoogarBear]

The last person to score against Bruce Bowen is in the witness protection program.

[Obstructed_View]

If Bruce Bowen really wanted to, Bruce Bowen could stop time.

Okay, NOW I really miss him. :toast

[TE]

Anyone who discredits the impact Bruce had on the defensive end is a fucking idiot.



He wouldn't have allowed Rose to score 42. Maybe in the 30s.

[SouthTexasRancher]

Don't know how big a deal it is. The Spurs weren't able to get a stop, weren't able to hit a layup, weren't able to make a free throw, and couldn't many bounces to go their way, and it took a great player having a great night at home in a game they really got up for to win. The biggest problem was the ability of the Bulls to break down the team defense, either getting an easy shot inside or a wide open jumper. Bowen wouldn't help with much of that.



In team sports it is the team mentality and right now we don't have that defensive leader. Back when David Robinson and Tim were together we always fed the other team into a funnel like situation with the two big guys saying "not here buddy". Then Pop got us Bruce and because of his defense it became contagious with the rest of the team. Like in football when you have that one guy (linebacker, DE, CB, etc.) that sets the tone for the team and nobody wants to be the goat. Right now we don't have that guy. Tim is getting beat badly by every PF/C in the league. He is no longer mobile enough. Blair and Dice are too damn short and too damn inconsistent and it shows by so many teams having field days in the paint. And Tiago appears to be another one of those project bigs that eventually end up on another team. The problem is there isn't much of a way we can pick that type of player up this season. So Pop just needs to make our guys tougher mentally. Lots of teams that never played 'D' before are now playing it. Chicago and New Orleans are two examples...at least against us.

[Obstructed_View]

All the hyperbole. Where to start? There's too much. Let me sum up.

This year's Spurs team doesn't have a single player who isn't willing to roll up his sleeves and play defense, and that's probably a first in several years. Let's not act like they're suddenly the Knicks because they lost to a good team.

[xmas1997]

FO needs to somehow get Mbah Moute. He's no Bowen, but he's closer than any of the Spurs right now. Doubt the Bucks would let him go, but stranger things have happened.

[SouthTexasRancher]

All the hyperbole. Where to start? There's too much. Let me sum up.

This year's Spurs team doesn't have a single player who isn't willing to roll up his sleeves and play defense, and that's probably a first in several years. Let's not act like they're suddenly the Knicks because they lost to a good team.


LOL..........!

Then why aren't they??? Wake up and smell either the coffee or the stale roses from Valentine;'s Day. Maybe try actually watching a game once in a while.

[SenorSpur]

Once again, another superior opponent gets his career-high against the Spurs.

Playing a zone defense is probably works against average-to above average players, but not against a superstar like Rose. The inability of the Spurs perimeter defenders to stay in front of him was expected. The manner in which Rose broke down the defense and got into the paint was also expected. However, the area where Rose has improved dramatically, is his jump shot. He's always had enough hops to rise above almost everyone and get it off. However, his shooting accuracy is much-improved.

The Spurs play decent team defense, but there is a time when a lockdown perimeter defender is needed to frustrate, deny and challenge a superior offensive player - like Rose. The Spurs have no such player - which is why they are powerless against the many superior wing players in the league.

As others have stated, it just makes us all appreciate and miss Bowen even more.

[xmas1997]

Once again, another superior opponent gets his career-high against the Spurs.

Playing a zone defense is probably works against average-to above average players, but not against a superstar like Rose. The inability of the Spurs perimeter defenders to stay in front of him was expected. The manner in which Rose broke down the defense and got into the paint was also expected. However, the area where Rose has improved dramatically, is his jump shot. He's always had enough hops to rise above almost everyone and get it off. However, his shooting accuracy is much-improved.

The Spurs play decent team defense, but there is a time when a lockdown perimeter defender is needed to frustrate, deny and challenge a superior offensive player - like Rose. The Spurs have no such player - which is why they are powerless against the many superior wing players in the league.

As others have stated, it just makes us all appreciate and miss Bowen even more.

Again I completely agree.
So what is the solution if the Spurs want to win a championship again.
Somehow, someway get someone who can lock down and defend.
Sounds rather vague and it is, but that really is the only solution.
I wish the FO would somehow get Mbah Moute. That would help a lot.

[HarlemHeat37]

Mbah a Moute is a very good defensive player, but he's one of the worst offensive players in the NBA..the Spurs are an offense-first team now, they can't rely on players of that nature for extended minutes..

[SenorSpur]

Mbah a Moute is a very good defensive player, but he's one of the worst offensive players in the NBA..the Spurs are an offense-first team now, they can't rely on players of that nature for extended minutes..

Disagree. Having a player like Mbah a Moute wouldn't be a detriment. Before he became a reliable 3-pt shooter, the Spurs relied upon Bowen is this role for years.

The change in philosophy is good. Selling out is the problem. Just as much as the Spurs can no longer be a lockdown defensive team, the coaching staff also shouldn't sell-out and forget their principles in trying to become the Phoenix Suns.

Besides, the teams the Spurs are going to have to conquer (Mavs, Fakers, Celtics, Bulls) all have the ability of playing their own brand of intense defense. They do that because they have some good individual defenders on their roster.

[xmas1997]

Mbah a Moute is a very good defensive player, but he's one of the worst offensive players in the NBA..the Spurs are an offense-first team now, they can't rely on players of that nature for extended minutes..

I also disagree!
We have more than enough offense now, and would even if we lost a few like Anderson and Quin and a draft pick to get a really good defensive player like Mbah a Moute. He would not be a liability for this team. And our defense would go from average to really really good in no time at all.

[SenorSpur]

Hell, that's the problem.

Pop and staff have sold all out for offense. Defense has been duly sacrificed.

As bombastic as Barkley can be, he made a comment tonight, that is a familiar refrain to most of us. He claimed the reason that he's not sold on the Spurs is that "they're too small. They lack the size to go toe-to-toe against teams like the Fakers, Mavs and Celtics". He further stated, "sure they have Duncan, but they can't rely on him in the paint, the way they used to."

[trollt]

Before he became a reliable 3-pt shooter, the Spurs relied upon Bowen is this role for years.

In Bowen's first championship with the Spurs he led the league in 3 pt FG%. When was Bruce a bad shooter? 2002?

[SenorSpur]

In Bowen's first championship with the Spurs he led the league in 3 pt FG%. When was Bruce a bad shooter? 2002?

I meant, he was somewhat considered an offensive liability.

[jjktkk]

Hell, that's the problem.

Pop and staff have sold all out for offense. Defense has been duly sacrificed.

As bombastic as Barkley can be, he made a comment tonight, that is a familiar refrain to most of us. He claimed the reason that he's not sold on the Spurs is that "they're too small. They lack the size to go toe-to-toe against teams like the Fakers, Mavs and Celtics". He further stated, "sure they have Duncan, but they can't rely on him in the paint, the way they used to."

Imo, because after evaluating this current Spurs roster, Pop made the decision that this team does not possess the ability to play lockdown defense, like Spur's championships teams of the past. Doesn't mean Pop and the coaching staff totally abandoned their defensive principles, but judging by the teams record so far, Pop made the right call.

[Hoops Czar]

After tonight, with Rose singlehanded killing us, i really miss Bruce. Is there no other player in the league like him? :depressed

Cry yourself a river.

[SA210]

Bruce could still play better D right now than probably anyone else on the perimeter, i don't care what anyone says.

[jjktkk]

Bruce could still play better D right now than probably anyone else on the perimeter, i don't care what anyone says.

Why not throw DROB in there too and get the iceman to be our 6th man. :hat

[SA210]

Why not throw DROB in there too and get the iceman to be our 6th man. :hat

He could show Duncan a thing or two on D :hat

[jjktkk]

He could show Duncan a thing or two on D :hat

Your being alittle harsh on Duncan. Duncan, just like Bowen and DROB before him, can't beat father time.

[greyforest]

Once again, another superior opponent gets his career-high against the Spurs.

Playing a zone defense is probably works against average-to above average players, but not against a superstar like Rose. The inability of the Spurs perimeter defenders to stay in front of him was expected. The manner in which Rose broke down the defense and got into the paint was also expected. However, the area where Rose has improved dramatically, is his jump shot. He's always had enough hops to rise above almost everyone and get it off. However, his shooting accuracy is much-improved.

The Spurs play decent team defense, but there is a time when a lockdown perimeter defender is needed to frustrate, deny and challenge a superior offensive player - like Rose. The Spurs have no such player - which is why they are powerless against the many superior wing players in the league.

As others have stated, it just makes us all appreciate and miss Bowen even more.

:toast

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_-DSk2dwUb04/S8NmBr6g-0I/AAAAAAAAAdE/jQJdbqPu0W8/s1600/bowen+action1.jpg

http://t2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQpvw711Joi1pMbzvxeOzXqGTPIuDSTm TmKQRcmo7jte02mHTP2dg&t=1

http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/cosmicvariance/files/uploads/BruceBowenBlocksDirk.jpg

http://www.babble.com/CS/photos/jun2007/images/25115/350x375.aspx

http://img.slate.com/media/1/123125/123037/2111855/2118414/050511_sn_bowen2_ex.jpg

http://cache.daylife.com/imageserve/01d0gxCcHheZk/340x.jpg

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http://fantastiksports.files.wordpress.com/2009/06/bruce-bowen.jpg?w=298&h=367

[i MAke GOod POlls]

This year's Spurs team doesn't have a single player who isn't willing to roll up his sleeves and play defense

:lol

They'll do that to keep their jobs but I agree with SouthTexas.

this spurs team doesn't have a defensive leader who spreads the intensity to the rest of the team

[ChumpDumper]

Folks tend to miss Bowen after losses.

[arodz]

After tonight, with Rose singlehanded killing us, i really miss Bruce.


So does Pop.

[poop]

bruce still seems to be in good shape

[JR3]

Bowen was one of a kind which is why the Spurs should retire his jersey. Who wants #12 anyways?

[TampaDude]

Bruce Bowen was probably the best perimeter defender in NBA history, and a huge part of the Spurs' last three NBA titles.

[Obstructed_View]

LOL..........!

Then why aren't they??? Wake up and smell either the coffee or the stale roses from Valentine;'s Day. Maybe try actually watching a game once in a while.

Uh, who exactly isn't playing defense this year? Who is this year's Michael Finley, this year's Roger Mason Jr, this year's Beno Udrih? The Spurs aren't giving up baskets because they're just standing around.

[HarlemHeat37]

I also disagree!
We have more than enough offense now, and would even if we lost a few like Anderson and Quin and a draft pick to get a really good defensive player like Mbah a Moute. He would not be a liability for this team. And our defense would go from average to really really good in no time at all.

The Bucks are worse with Mbah a Moute on the floor..he improves their D, but he also makes their offense worse..they're 1 point worse when he's on the floor, this season..last season, he had very little impact on their team, only a +0.6 difference per 100..he's a good defensive player, but he's not an anchor, and he's an offensive liability..

Obviously, I wouldn't mind if the Spurs had him on the end of the bench, for occasional use, but he wouldn't fit with the current scheme..

[UnWantedTheory]

There is no one like Bruce & we all miss him.

[senorglory]

you miss Bruce? o.k., then, I miss Robinson. Let's go ahead and use this fantasy to bring back Robinson.

[remingtonbo2001]

George Hill is our next perimeter stopper. George is long and athletic. However, no one will ever be as tenacious as Bruce.