Spurs to Retire Bruce Bowen's #12

[Sausage]

http://www.nba.com/spurs/news/120123_spurs_retire_bowen_jersey

On March 21st


@Bowen12

I'd like to thank Peter Holt, Pop, RC, and the Spurs Organization, The GREAT GROUP of guys that made this all possible.


:toast

[I. Hustle]

Damn you beat me

[Manu20]

The Rash!!!!!!!!!:toast

[Amuseddaysleeper]

About damn time.

Spurs haven't been the same since he was gone.

Without Bruce, the Spurs would only have one championship most likely.

Bruce, you are a legend, and this jersey retirement is long overdue.

[jjktkk]

Congrads Bruce. :toast

[SenorSpur]

Yes Sir!

[Kuestmaster]

Great news! Finally

[ThePop]

:toast

[RobSM64]

About freakin time....

[baseline bum]

A well-earned honor; congrats, Bruce!

[Bruno]

Awesome news. :tu

It's well deserved. Bruce was a great Spur and has been a crucial part of 3 NBA titles. While the label "big 3" will remain for Spurs, it was in fact a "big 4" with Duncan, Parker, Ginobili and Bowen.

[FvckMavs]

Sweet!

[Buddy Holly]

Yes! Finally.

Spurs/Bowen was starting to become a WWF/Macho Man type of thing. :lol

[Mark in Austin]

:tu. I approve.

[dylankerouac]

Congratulations Bruce!

[Cant_Be_Faded]

Anyone know how one would go about buying a Bruce Jersey, I was too poor to buy one when he was an active player.

[VBM]

Just buy a custom jersey.

[lefty]

Fuck yeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeah



Well deserved :tu



Part of the big 3 with Duncan and Manu

[spurs10]

Great news!!! Wish I could be there! Congratulations Bruce!

[elemento]

about time !

My favorite Spur ever !

[Sausage]

Anyone know how one would go about buying a Bruce Jersey, I was too poor to buy one when he was an active player.

Looks like there are a few on eBay for 29 dollars + free shipping.. not bad

[Josepatches_]

Congrats Bruce!!

Well deserved

[SA210]

This man deserves this so darn much.

They should have a couple players from those past years present to return what's rightfully due him, Defensive player of the year awards

#12

[BruceBowenFan]

Hell yea, the man deserves it. He will always be my favorite spur of all time.

[bus driver]

good news to hear

[Robz4000]

Great news! Glad to finally see him getting the honor.

[DBMethos]

Hell yes. Best news of the season so far.

[ElNono]

Great news! Congrats Bruce!

[scottspurs]

Finally well deserved

[ace3g]

Well deserved for #12!!!

[Spurminator]

Awesome. Hopefully they'll invite Vince Carter and Ray Allen to speak.

[stéphane]

That's great ! I'd like to be there.
Miss him big time.

[stéphane]

Awesome. Hopefully they'll invite Vince Carter and Ray Allen to speak.

:lol

Allen would definitely do the job.

[Brazil]

Great news !!!

a well deserved honor ! big 4 > big 3

[Brazil]

Fuck yeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeah



Well deserved :tu



Part of the big 3 with Duncan and Manu

:lmao:lmao:lmao:lmao:lmao:lmao

Lefty you're soooo fuunnny :lmao

[Mugen]

Well deserved.

[Donut]

There's always gonna be questions on if he deserves it or not, but the man shoulda been DOPY at least once in his career. Didn't have the prettiest shot in the world but I think people will agree when he hit the corner 3 it was the most beautiful thing ever. Congrats Bruce

[Leetonidas]

May get to see Rubio play in person for the first time just so I can see Bruce's jersey hung up. One of my favorite Spurs ever and definitely deserves it :tu

[ace3g]

“He understood his role above and beyond all,” Tim Duncan, who played next to Bowen for eight seasons, said after shootaround Monday in New Orleans. “He knew what he needed to do to stay on the floor, and he stuck to that. Those people are rare. Everybody wants to be something they’re not. His focus was to be the best he could at what he was.”


“Bruce was more of those steady factors, where he did the same thing night in and night out, whether it was a preseason game or a championship game,” coach Gregg Popovich said. “That’s just who he was. We gave him that role, and he lived it and breathed it.”



http://blog.mysanantonio.com/spursnation/2012/01/23/bowens-no-12-going-to-the-rafters/

[alamo50]

Bruuuuuce!

[lefty]

:lmao:lmao:lmao:lmao:lmao:lmao

Lefty you're soooo fuunnny :lmao
Butthurt reaction :lmao

He mad :lmao

[GSH]

Those Spurs' teams defined defense in the NBA, and Bruce defined defense on those Spurs' teams. If it's true that defense wins Championships - well, you do the math.

It's been too long coming, but at least they finally got it right. 'Grats, Bruce.

[ChumpDumper]

Spurs continue to disrespect Bruce! :madrun

[slick'81]

lol spurs fan hating the spurs for not respecting what Bowen did :hat

[jgome21]

Well deserved. Great on and off the court.

[phxspurfan]

Awesome. Hopefully they'll invite Vince Carter and Ray Allen to speak.

:clap

[silverblackfan]

About time this was done! Well done, Bruce! #12 is all yours.

[timtonymanu]

Well deserved and 2 years late, IMO.

Bruce is my 2nd favorite Spur of all time behind Tim and I'm very happy to see him getting this honor. The Spurs defense is really lacking nowadays since Bruce is gone.

[Spurs Brazil]

Finally!!! well deserved. One of my favorites player

[Spurs Brazil]

Spurs to Retire Bruce Bowen’s No. 12 Jersey on March 21
http://www.nba.com/spurs/news/120123_spurs_retire_bowen_jersey

Bruce Bowen by the Numbers
http://www.nba.com/spurs/features/120123_bruce_bowen_by_the_numbers

Bruce Bowen Jersey Retirement Q&A
http://www.nba.com/spurs/features/120123_bowen_jersey_qa

[HarlemHeat37]

He was the best perimeter defender of his era, not just his team..he was a major contributor to 3 titles..

He absolutely deserves it..he's never going to be confused as an All-Star or Hall of Famer, but for this franchise, he earned this honor..

I wonder if Pop is going to lobby for Finley to have his jersey retired, tbh..

[mercos]

He was the best perimeter defender I have seen in my 15+ years of watching basketball. One of my all time favorite Spurs, glad he is getting this honor.

[Trill Clinton]

http://i745.photobucket.com/albums/xx100/MABOcho/m8390y.gif

[Brazil]

Butthurt reaction :lmao

He mad :lmao

oh yeah I'm so mad

[spurs_fan_in_exile]

Retiring the jersey of the man who spent his years here getting into everyone else's. An honor as well deserved as the DPOY awards he got robbed of.

[phxspurfan]

oh and lol Camby DPOY.

[elbamba]

Bruce never disappointed and he always seemed to do something great when I was in attendence.

Favorite Bruce Bowen memory would be the 2003 WCSF agains LA in game two when he went Kobe Bryant on Kobe Bryant. Nailing threes and dunking. It was by far the best game I ever attended.

[timvp]

This news made my week. So awesome :tu

I was really worried after the Spurs let some D-League scrub wear #12 after Bowen retired. I don't even remember which scrub it was, tbh.

Congrats, Bruce!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1!!!!!!!!!!!11!!!one!!!

[Mark in Austin]

Awesome. Hopefully they'll invite Vince Carter and Ray Allen to speak.

Wally Szczerbiak would want to be there too.

[timtonymanu]

mjmbJm7idkI

One of Bowen's many great plays as a Spurs :tu

[timvp]

http://ww3.hdnux.com/photos/02/24/26/607618/3/628x471.jpg

This never happened. Othyus Jeffers was never on the Spurs and wasn't given #12.

[dunkman]

Awesome news. :tu

It's well deserved. Bruce was a great Spur and has been a crucial part of 3 NBA titles. While the label "big 3" will remain for Spurs, it was in fact a "big 4" with Duncan, Parker, Ginobili and Bowen.

This is exactly what I always thought. Bruce was as important as Manu or Parker. He would completely neutralize the best opposite team perimetral players.

[Brazil]

http://ww3.hdnux.com/photos/02/24/26/607618/3/628x471.jpg

This never happened. Othyus Jeffers was never on the Spurs and wasn't given #12.

:lol I totally forgot this dude

[Obstructed_View]

Good for the Spurs. Well-deserved.

[blkroadrunners]

Congrats Bruce! So well deserved. :toast

[angelbelow]

Finally.

[spurs_fan_in_exile]

http://ww3.hdnux.com/photos/02/24/26/607618/3/628x471.jpg

This never happened. Othyus Jeffers was never on the Spurs and wasn't given #12.

Since he's in the Los Spurs jersey it's easy enough to believe that he is merely Bruce's non-union Mexican equivalent.

[JR3]

One of my favorite spurs of all time. Really fit the mold in san antonio. We won't see a type like him for a while... on any team! I hope leonard can just scrape the surface of what bruce did. Bruce stopped people with position and relentless energy. I'm proud he came through San Antonio and made a name for himself.

[NRHector]

Congrats Bruce, you earned it :toast

[George Gervin's Afro]

I am a proud owner of his jersey.


Love #12 and the way he plays!

[rascal]

Guys who never made an all star game should not have numbers retired. So that includes Bowen and A Johnson.
Retired numbers should only be for Hall of Fame franchise players. The more you retire the weaker the honer is. There should only be two retired numbers Robinson Gervin and Duncan to follow and nobody else.

[lefty]

oh yeah I'm so mad

Yeah we know

[rascal]

Hated the way Bowen played. He and the way Pop played his offenses are big reasons why the Spurs are viewed as boring during the Duncan years.

[rascal]

One of my favorite spurs of all time. Really fit the mold in san antonio. We won't see a type like him for a while... on any team! I hope leonard can just scrape the surface of what bruce did. Bruce stopped people with position and relentless energy. I'm proud he came through San Antonio and made a name for himself.

The mold in San Antonio was flashy run and gun until they started to struggle in the mid 1980s and then pop took over and stressd defense.

[rascal]

Bowen played on one end of the court and was fortunate to play with Duncan. On any other team in the league he isn't even starting.

[MI21]

Bruce Bowen was every bit the All-Star that players like Ben Wallace were. His impact on those Spurs championship teams must not be underplayed.

Seriously, this is a guy who has done the job guarding everyone from Chris Paul and Steve Nash to Dirk Nowitzki and Zach Randolph to Kobe Bryant and LeBron James.

There are maybe a handful of players in league history with those sorts of skills.

[urunobili]

Yay! finally! well deserved! can't wait to see nbr 12 up in the rafters!

[dunkman]

Bowen played on one end of the court and was fortunate to play with Duncan. On any other team in the league he isn't even starting.

He used to funnel sometimes, so I don't consider him better defensive player than Pippen, but was still able to disrupt almost any perimeter player that would get hot. He was very important for the success the Spurs had since 02 to 08 when he lost a step.

[Spurminator]

He was a more reliable and consistent postseason threat from the three point line than most of the players we've had since.

Forgetting even his defense, I'd love to have him out there in May for his shooting alone.

[baseline bum]

Hated the way Bowen played. He and the way Pop played his offenses are big reasons why the Spurs are viewed as boring during the Duncan years.

Of course you hate the way Bruce played since he was such a critical part of the team's incredible success last decade.

[SA210]

Didn't Kobe once say Bruce was the best person to ever defend him? Would be nice for Kobe to issue a nice statement on Bruce for this.

[timvp]

He was a more reliable and consistent postseason threat from the three point line than most of the players we've had since.

Forgetting even his defense, I'd love to have him out there in May for his shooting alone.

True. Bowen is the all-time leader in playoff three-point percentage among those with at least 125 makes. He shot at least 40% in each postseason outside of 2004. Great defender obviously but also a clutch shooter.

[timvp]

rascal complained the Spurs were boring when they won championships. Now that the Spurs run and gun, he complains that the Spurs don't win enough.

The only time I remember him happy in the last decade was the RJ trade ... and we all know how that ended up.

[Kool Bob Love]

I am a proud owner of his jersey.


Love #12 and the way he plays!

Got one for a good deal when he was traded. I always try to pattern my defense after BRUCE!

:toast

[jwmann2]

Congrats to Bruce. I still remember the day I saw that name for the first time and said wtf? Who is that? No way you could have told me the Spurs would eventually retire his jersey. The banner should have a little bowtie at the bottom.

[SanAntonioSpurs23]

Awesome! Well deserved!

[lefty]

rascal complained the Spurs were boring when they won championships. Now that the Spurs run and gun, he complains that the Spurs don't win enough.

The only time I remember him happy in the last decade was the RJ trade ... and we all know how that ended up.
:lmao

[Spurminator]

True. Bowen is the all-time leader in playoff three-point percentage among those with at least 125 makes. He shot at least 40% in each postseason outside of 2004. Great defender obviously but also a clutch shooter.

In the last 10 years, the only Spurs players to shoot 40% or more in a postseason while attempting at least 1.5 per game:

Bowen 2009 55.6
Barry 2006 50
Bowen 2006 50
Finley 2009 46.7
Barry 2008 46.3
Horry 2005 44.7
Bowen 2007 44.6
Bowen 2002 44
Ginobili 2005 43.8
Bowen 2003 43.8
Bowen 2005 43.3
Barry 2005 42.4
Finley 2007 41.9
Bowen 2008 40.7
Udoka 2008 40

[spursdotcom]

Apologies if it's already been posted.

Q&A with Bruce
http://www.nba.com/spurs/features/120123_bowen_jersey_qa

Photos
http://www.nba.com/spurs/photos/120123_bowen

Bruce by the Numbers
http://www.nba.com/spurs/features/120123_bruce_bowen_by_the_numbers

Video - Bruce media availability
http://www.nba.com/spurs/video/120123_bowen

[timvp]

^^ Great job on the Q&A.

[SequSpur]

http://www.spurstalk.com/forums/showthread.php?t=190157

I started the topic already.

[GSH]

http://www.spurstalk.com/forums/showthread.php?t=190157

I started the topic already.


If, by "already", you mean six hours too late, then you're right. Some congratulations must be in order.

[rascal]

rascal complained the Spurs were boring when they won championships. Now that the Spurs run and gun, he complains that the Spurs don't win enough.

The only time I remember him happy in the last decade was the RJ trade ... and we all know how that ended up.

They dumped useless players for RJ so like you and everyone else the trade looked good. I thought Pop would use RJ the right way and open up the offense more but he he uses him as a spot up shooter. RJ is a good player in the right system.

[rascal]

Didn't Kobe once say Bruce was the best person to ever defend him? Would be nice for Kobe to issue a nice statement on Bruce for this.

When did Kobe say that? Kobe often lit up Bowen.
If Bowen was a Kobe stopper than the spurs would have beaten the Lakers many more times than they did. I remember Kobe sticking the dagger into the Spurs and Bowen often in the playoffs.

[rascal]

rascal complained the Spurs were boring when they won championships. Now that the Spurs run and gun, he complains that the Spurs don't win enough.

The only time I remember him happy in the last decade was the RJ trade ... and we all know how that ended up.

The Spurs don't run and gun now. You don't know what run and gun is.

[rascal]

True. Bowen is the all-time leader in playoff three-point percentage among those with at least 125 makes. He shot at least 40% in each postseason outside of 2004. Great defender obviously but also a clutch shooter.

Bowen was often left wide open because his shot was not respected.
I seldom if ever saw him create a shot of the dribble. He was a very limited offensive player.

[TIMMYD!]

Great news. He fucking deserved it.

[Spurminator]

Bowen was often left wide open because his shot was not respected.

No more open than the other three-point specialists we've run through here, and he shot better than all of them when it mattered.

[Thompson]

Congrats Bruce!!! It's about time!

One of my favorite players of all time. He made the absolute most of what he had.

[stxspurs]

tickets already bought!

[carina_gino20]

Awesome! Bruce was as important in our 03,05,07 titles as the Big Three.

[Ice009]

Rascal you're a straight up loser.

[ElNono]

Of course you hate the way Bruce played since he was such a critical part of the team's incredible success last decade.

:lol

[Cant_Be_Faded]

http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_trksid=p5197.m570.l1313&_nkw=bruce+bowen+jersey&_sacat=See-All-Categories

Just ordered one of those crappy knockoff Bowen jerseys just in case nothing else pops up.

Gonsport that shit in March when I see them here in Dallas take on the fauxchamps

[ohmwrecker]

So…I guess they've given up on getting Dwight Howard?!

[SenorSpur]

It's too bad that Bruce's defensive exploits were never recognized by the Sportswriters during the Defensive Player of Year voting. Despite being the best perimeter defender in the NBA for most of his Spurs tenure, Bowen truly got robbed for the award in at least 2-3 year period, when he repeatedly came in second in voting. I believe Artest and Wallace were ceremonially given the award. In fact, Artest and the Pacers out-n-out campaigned for the award.

[therealtruth]

He used to funnel sometimes, so I don't consider him better defensive player than Pippen, but was still able to disrupt almost any perimeter player that would get hot. He was very important for the success the Spurs had since 02 to 08 when he lost a step.

Pippen was a defensive monster with his long arms. Bowen was more of a pest.

[therealtruth]

True. Bowen is the all-time leader in playoff three-point percentage among those with at least 125 makes. He shot at least 40% in each postseason outside of 2004. Great defender obviously but also a clutch shooter.

I still remember his late 3 in game 5 against the Suns in '07. When he hit that 3 I knew the Spurs were going all the way.

[DespЏrado]

Awesome and about f'ing time. Dude deserves all the accolades in the world.

[Cane]

Bowen and his jersey retirement ftw :lobt::lobt::lobt:



And if you want some quality entertainment, and if you like enjoying just how bitter other NBA fans are because of the Spurs success, check out Bowen's retirement thread at realgm :lol


It's too bad that Bruce's defensive exploits were never recognized by the Sportswriters during the Defensive Player of Year voting. Despite being the best perimeter defender in the NBA for most of his Spurs tenure, Bowen truly got robbed for the award in at least 2-3 year period, when he repeatedly came in second in voting. I believe Artest and Wallace were ceremonially given the award. In fact, Artest and the Pacers out-n-out campaigned for the award.

True that :toast

[tuncaboylu]

He deserved it.

[Fpoonsie]

'Bout fuckin' time.

[Leetonidas]

So much butthurt in the thread about this on RealGM :lol
http://forums.realgm.com/boards/viewtopic.php?f=6&t=1155168

[angelbelow]

He was a more reliable and consistent postseason threat from the three point line than most of the players we've had since.

Forgetting even his defense, I'd love to have him out there in May for his shooting alone.

Hope you don't change your avatar anytime soon. Game 7 2005 Spurs vs Pistons with like 50? seconds left. I remember that block and the subsequent Ginobili layup caused yell the loudest.

[timvp]

So much butthurt in the thread about this on RealGM :lol
http://forums.realgm.com/boards/viewtopic.php?f=6&t=1155168

:lol You know you're a great defender when everyone hates you.

[mathbzh]

So playing a lick of defense can get your number retired...
Maybe this could give inspiration to some Spurs players.

[Slomo]

Nice!
:tu

[TDMVPDPOY]

imo duncan or bowen shouldve won the 03/04 DPOY award...

ben wallace and ron artest were out with suspensions and shit that season, missing 10-15 games ur still eligible to win the DPOY, but for missin those many games takes you out of the running for MVP....theres a reason why these awards are bullshit how they change it every year for catergories evaluating who wins it...

[SA210]

When did Kobe say that? Kobe often lit up Bowen.
If Bowen was a Kobe stopper than the spurs would have beaten the Lakers many more times than they did. I remember Kobe sticking the dagger into the Spurs and Bowen often in the playoffs.

:lmao whatever dude

[BG_Spurs_Fan]

Very happy for Bowen, he totally deserves it.

[elemento]

All Realgm going butthurt about Bowen, especially Suns fans ..so funny :lol

He is a top 5 perimeter defender of all-time and he was integral part in 3 of the Spurs championships.

Just Neal with it.

[pookenstein]

Great news. About damn time.

[angelbelow]

All Realgm going butthurt about Bowen, especially Suns fans ..so funny :lol

He is a top 5 perimeter defender of all-time and he was integral part in 3 of the Spurs championships.

Just Neal with it.

:lol I couldn't help it, read through the whole thread.

[TE]

It's too bad that Bruce's defensive exploits were never recognized by the Sportswriters during the Defensive Player of Year voting. Despite being the best perimeter defender in the NBA for most of his Spurs tenure, Bowen truly got robbed for the award in at least 2-3 year period, when he repeatedly came in second in voting. I believe Artest and Wallace were ceremonially given the award. In fact, Artest and the Pacers out-n-out campaigned for the award.

No shit?

[Horry For 3!]

Pretty cool that they are doing it March 21, my sister's bf has been wanting to go to that Minny game cause he likes Rubio. So I might be there with him to watch the jersey retired.

[xmas1997]

I hope Sean is the emcee.

Now, if they will only hire him as an assistant coach.

[spurs_fan_in_exile]

All Realgm going butthurt about Bowen, especially Suns fans ..so funny :lol

He is a top 5 perimeter defender of all-time and he was integral part in 3 of the Spurs championships.

Just Neal with it.

I don't begrudge fans that dislike him for things like the incidents with Paul and Nash, stuff that I might very well attack if I wasn't a Spurs fan. What I don't get are the constant cries of "DIRTIEST EVER!!!" and then presenting Vince Carter as their star witness.

[elemento]

I don't begrudge fans that dislike him for things like the incidents with Paul and Nash, stuff that I might very well attack if I wasn't a Spurs fan. What I don't get are the constant cries of "DIRTIEST EVER!!!" and then presenting Vince Carter as their star witness.

Not only that but some guys were claiming that Ron Artest wasn't dirty. I mean, seriously ?
Just because he didn't score 20+ people feel he doesn't deserve to have his jersey retired.
People there cannot see the difference between a HOF and a guy with a retired jersey. You don't need to be a HOF to have the jersey retired.
He was a key piece here in 3 championships. Bowen meant a lot to San Antonio and that's what matters.

[tp2021]

Haters gon' hate.

Props to one of my favorite Spurs ever. This was certainly well-deserved and quite frankly should have happened sooner. But all that matters is his number will soon hang next to the all-time Spurs greats and I can tell my kids I saw #12 play for championships in San Antonio.

Tim may be The Franchise, and Manu may be El Corazon; but Bruce, like David Robinson before him, was the Consummate Spur.

[objective]

Well deserved, congratulations to Bruce.

[Leetonidas]

imo duncan or bowen shouldve won the 03/04 DPOY award...

ben wallace and ron artest were out with suspensions and shit that season, missing 10-15 games ur still eligible to win the DPOY, but for missin those many games takes you out of the running for MVP....theres a reason why these awards are bullshit how they change it every year for catergories evaluating who wins it...

I agree. The 2004 Spurs, defensively, were SICK. Had Jackson and Claxton stayed we probably repeat. I believe that team has the record for lowest OPPG for a season

[Juggity]

I agree. The 2004 Spurs, defensively, were SICK. Had Jackson and Claxton stayed we probably repeat. I believe that team has the record for lowest OPPG for a season

Technically tied for 3rd place, but if you discount the 1999 lockout teams, tied for first place. (http://www.basketball-reference.com/play-index/tsl_finder.cgi?request=1&sum=0&type=team_totals&lg_id=NBA&year_min=1955&year_max=2012&franch_id=&c1stat=opp_pts&c1comp=gt&c1val=&c2stat=&c2comp=gt&c2val=&c3stat=&c3comp=gt&c3val=&c4stat=&c4comp=gt&c4val=&order_by=opp_pts_per_g&order_by_asc=Y)

[phxspurfan]

Only Spurs fans would say this, but we know our team so well:

Not counting the two playoff flukes that happened in '04 and '06, this team was good enough to win a 5-peat from '03-'07.

[ChumpDumper]

Wow, another scrub player hangs in the rafter, eh?Wow, still following the Spurs' every move, eh?

[mudyez]

congrats Bruce!

well deserved

[Spurs Brazil]

Bruce favorite moment:

sE6WkyPDSF8

[spurbyheart]

Way togo BRUUUUCCCEEE..will be at the game to watch your jersey go up!

[rascal]

Wow, another scrub player hangs in the rafter, eh?

Agree. A solid role player for a championship team/teams. Not rafter hanging worthy. Never even made one all star appearance.

Retired numbers should only be for franchise hall of famers.

[Leetonidas]

Then we'd have what, 2 jerseys up there?

[Obstructed_View]

I don't begrudge fans that dislike him for things like the incidents with Paul and Nash, stuff that I might very well attack if I wasn't a Spurs fan. What I don't get are the constant cries of "DIRTIEST EVER!!!" and then presenting Vince Carter as their star witness.

I always think it's funny because more players have been more seriously injured from landing on Vince Carter's foot than by Bruce Bowen's "dirty" play.

[Brazil]

Yeah we know

no you don't

[RuffnReadyOzStyle]

About bloody time. It was the Big 4, not the Big 3.

Congratulations Bruce, well deserved. :toast

[Libri]

Do you all remember this? :lmao

_isdbd3iXoM&feature=related

[ducks]

much more worthy then aj

[z0sa]

much more worthy then aj

:lol

true though

[Spurs Brazil]

http://espn.go.com/nba/dailydime/_/page/dime-120127-29/weekend-dime-views-professional-watchers

(Deservedly) To The Rafters

By Marc Stein
ESPN.com

Long before he arrived at ESPN as an analyst, Bruce Bowen and I attended Cal State Fullerton for two years together.

So I might not be the best source of unbiased commentary about a defensive specialist who, for all he undeniably contributed to three championship runs in San Antonio, got tagged as "dirty" over the years by a list of luminaries that includes Ray Allen, Vince Carter and Amare Stoudemire.

But Bowen's status as the classic You Hate Him Unless He's On Your Team guy doesn't mean he's unworthy of the honor bestowed on him this week by the Spurs, who announced that his No. 12 will be retired on March 21. Ditto for the fact that Bowen retired in 2009 with a career scoring average of 6.1 points per game.

Don't forget that Bowen made the NBA's All-Defensive Team eight times in his nine seasons in San Antonio, including five straight selections to the first team between 2004 and '08. Only four other perimeter defenders in league history, furthermore, have a streak as long as Bowen's: Scottie Pippen (who made 10 straight All-Defensive Teams from 1991 to 2000), Bobby Jones (nine straight from 1977 to '85), John Havlicek (eight straight from 1969 to '76) and Michael Cooper (eight straight from 1981 to '88).

As Spurs coach Gregg Popovich went on to explain earlier this week, Bowen stands as a prime example of what Team Duncan wants from its role players, having turned himself into a deadly 3-point marksman to supplement all the D through sheer desire and dedication ... when I can assure you he possessed nothing resembling reliable NBA 3-point range back in college.

"Bruce Bowen was the premier perimeter defender in the NBA for close to a decade," Pop says. "His success is proof that hard work and determination do, in fact, pay off. Statistics are meaningless when talking about his importance to this franchise. The simple fact is the Spurs don't win championships in 2003, 2005 and 2007 without Bruce Bowen."

The following, with an assist from my man Ryan Feldman in ESPN Stats & Information, is an assemblage of the top 10 players with scoring averages as modest as Bowen's whose jerseys were retired anyway because of their overall contribution to their respective franchises:

NAME TEAM PPG
Mark Eaton Utah 6.0
Dennis Rodman Detroit 7.3
K.C. Jones Boston 7.4
Brad Davis Dallas 8.2
Larry Steele Portland 8.2
Avery Johnson San Antonio 8.4
Bob Gross Portland 8.9
Johnny Moore San Antonio 9.4
Dave Twardzik Portland 9.5
Satch Sanders Boston 9.6

PS -- Denver's Byron Beck (4.7 ppg), Indiana's Mel Daniels (3.5 ppg) and New Jersey's Bill Melchionni (4.4 ppg) were not included here because their low NBA scoring averages in parentheses don't account for the fact that each of them primarily played in the ABA.

PPS -- Here's a link to a franchise-by-franchise list of every jersey retired in the NBA. Bowen will be the seventh Spur to be so honored, joining James Silas (No. 13), George Gervin (No. 44), Johnny Moore (No. 00), David Robinson (No. 50), Sean Elliott (No. 32) and Avery Johnson (No. 6).

[will_spurs]

Retired numbers should only be for franchise hall of famers.

Well... isn't the HoF already just for that? No point in this redundancy.

I'm really glad to see Bowen's number retired. He was one of the best defender of his era, one of the best perimeter defenders EVER and got selected to a shitload of All-Defensive teams. He was a great Spurs and a key component to 3 championships, shutting down some of the best players out there on a nightly basis.

Retired jerseys are for players who did great things for their franchise, and Bowen definitely qualifies.

[Mel_13]

Well deserved.

I'm just a little surprised that it happened so soon. I figured Bruce would have to wait until Tim's number went up much as Sean had to wait on David.

Looking forward to being there for the ceremony.

[E-RockWill]

agree. A solid role player for a championship team/teams. Not rafter hanging worthy. Never even made one all star appearance.

retired numbers should only be for franchise hall of famers.

fify

[Spurs Brazil]

Bowen as busy, and defensive, as ever in retirement
Posted on January 28, 2012 at 9:19 pm by Spurs Nation in Bruce Bowen,
By Richard Oliver

http://blog.mysanantonio.com/spursnation/2012/01/28/bowen-as-busy-and-defensive-as-ever-in-retirement/

[caribbean_spur]

Congrats Bruce! Well deserved.

[dbreiden83080]

Agree. A solid role player for a championship team/teams. Not rafter hanging worthy. Never even made one all star appearance.

Retired numbers should only be for franchise hall of famers.

They put Avery up there and at his best he was maybe the 20th best PG in the league.. It's up to the organization to decide how much you meant to them. Obviously the HOF is another category..

[Wild Cobra Kai]

Bowen as busy, and defensive, as ever in retirement
Posted on January 28, 2012 at 9:19 pm by Spurs Nation in Bruce Bowen,
By Richard Oliver

http://blog.mysanantonio.com/spursnation/2012/01/28/bowen-as-busy-and-defensive-as-ever-in-retirement/

Sad that his ex turned out to be not much more than a long term groupie.


“I had a lot of relationships that have been severed because I’m no longer a basketball player,” said Bowen, 40. “I think one of the most disappointing things for athletes is to be around people and it all changes because the parties are no longer put on by you or the things that you used to do are no longer something that’s of interest because you’re not footing the bill.

“No one wants to be taken advantage of. But you see that it’s part of life. Some people’s elevator doesn’t go all the way to the top.”

[tp2021]

I'm trying to get tickets to the game. The Spurs have their retired jerseys hanging on the side of the arena with sections 222-226, right? I'd much rather be on the other side so I can actually see the jersey :lol

[Spurs Brazil]

Next game!

http://ww2.hdnux.com/photos/10/15/56/2153345/3/628x471.jpg

:hungry:

[Bruno]

Great bump.

It's going to be awesome.

[timtonymanu]

Can't fucking wait. Plus S-Jax debut. I'm pretty sure D-Rob will be in the building. It will be like an 03 reunion that night.

Will the ceremony be broadcast on SDC?

[alamo50]

Champs in '12 for #12.

[100%duncan]

Brucy! March 21 is just few sleeps away

[FlAVaK]

nba.com uploaded some clips of BB-highlights (http://www.nba.com/video/channels/nba_tv/2012/03/16/20120316_bruce_bowen_highlights.nba/index.html),
including THE block against Dirk:

http://w36.photobucket.com/albums/e45/Scrilla100/Bruce%20Bowen/BruceBowenBlocksDirk.jpg

Links to the other three in this post (http://spurstalk.com/forums/showpost.php?p=5699272&postcount=9), or search for "bruce" on nba.com/video (http://www.nba.com/video/)

[Kool Bob Love]

I will be in the house.:toast

I hope Bowen is there before tip off to sign autographs. I will be wearing his jersey to the game and would love for him to sign it.

:flag:

[timtonymanu]

nba.com uploaded some clips of BB-highlights (http://www.nba.com/video/channels/nba_tv/2012/03/16/20120316_bruce_bowen_highlights.nba/index.html),
including THE block against Dirk:

http://w36.photobucket.com/albums/e45/Scrilla100/Bruce%20Bowen/BruceBowenBlocksDirk.jpg

Links to the other three in this post (http://spurstalk.com/forums/showpost.php?p=5699272&postcount=9), or search for "bruce" on nba.com/video (http://www.nba.com/video/)

Nice! It's rare to find Bruce highlights on YouTube because every Bowen video is :cry Bruce is dirty :cry

[ElNono]

Anybody go to the luncheon today?

[ace3g]

via Manu twitter:

https://p.twimg.com/AoXrRM1CAAEOdqM.jpg:large

[Mugen]

lol what an awkward pic

[The ADMIRAL 50]

yea just saw the manu tweeted pic

the quality of the giant numbers looks pretty shoddy imo fwiw tbh

[edgar]

There goes any chance of Dwight Howard sporting the #12 jersey when he comes to San Antonio. :bang

[Admidave50]

It will be awesome and it's a great achievement for Bruce. He never had the chance to get a DPOY, he deserved at least one of them. I'll try to watch the next game for sure!

[Spurs Brazil]

Can't wait for Wednesday!

[ace3g]

Bowen speaks at luncheon:

http://www.nba.com/spurs/video/120319_bowen

[Phenomanul]

via Manu twitter:

https://p.twimg.com/AoXrRM1CAAEOdqM.jpg:large

:tu Bruce's tie fad...

[timtonymanu]

Bowen speaks at luncheon:

http://www.nba.com/spurs/video/120319_bowen

Great interview. Bruce has such a great sense of humor. Wouldn't mind hearing call games for the team.

Game 7 against Dallas still hurts Bruce.

[timvp]

:lol That's exactly my reaction when I think of that Game 7.

In the pain scale, Game 7 loss to Mavs >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> .4

[DBMethos]

WTG, Bruce.

[SgtSpur]

Who's gonna retire Robert horrys Jersey?

[ace3g]

http://blog.mysanantonio.com/spursnation/files/2012/03/19452067-BOWEN-JERSEY-5-BRO-03_19_2012-436x585.jpg

[Mugen]

gotdamn, i love Bruce Bowen.

[Mal]

Bowen speaks at luncheon:

http://www.nba.com/spurs/video/120319_bowen

21 for timmy
3 for Jackson
20 for Manu
and finally 12 for Bowen

:lol

[Horse]

Love Bruce hopefully Kawhi will mold his game after Bowens.

[Horse]

nba.com uploaded some clips of BB-highlights (http://www.nba.com/video/channels/nba_tv/2012/03/16/20120316_bruce_bowen_highlights.nba/index.html),
including THE block against Dirk:

http://w36.photobucket.com/albums/e45/Scrilla100/Bruce%20Bowen/BruceBowenBlocksDirk.jpg

Links to the other three in this post (http://spurstalk.com/forums/showpost.php?p=5699272&postcount=9), or search for "bruce" on nba.com/video (http://www.nba.com/video/)
My favorite was the block on chauncey in the '05 finals that pretty much ended the game and series.

[DeadlyDynasty]

Props to BB, he was a motherfucker...

[therealtruth]

Why didn't Bruce tell Manu not to foul in '06? He defended Dirk well and at best Dirk would have got 2 points.

[bigbendbruisebrother]

My favorite was the block on chauncey in the '05 finals that pretty much ended the game and series.

Me too. I can't believe that didn't make their highlight reel.

I also fondly recall Vince Carter going apeshit and getting ejected in game against the Nets. Bruce could really get under players' skins.

[rasho8]

As sad as this makes me... Im not going to be able to make it to the game tonight to see Bruce's jersey retired... whoever wants my tickets pm me. 2 tickets and a parking pass.

edit: Dammit I meant tomorrow night, Im going to be bummed for two days.

[timvp]

^The good news for you is the game is tomorrow night :)

[Old School 44]

Congrats to Bruce! Well deserved! Glad to see the Spurs have an advocate at ESPN.
Thought it was funny they had so many offensive clips in the Bruce Bowen highlights on spurs.com. Ironic the opponent is the T-wolves, whose last game was the Golden State/Chris Mullin retirement party. Hopefully, a better outcome for this retirement party.

[Spurs Brazil]

http://blog.mysanantonio.com/spursnation/wp-content/blogs.dir/617/files/bruce-bowens-jersey-retirement-luncheon/19451996-bowen-jersey-3-bro-03_19_2012.jpg

[will_spurs]

the quality of the giant numbers looks pretty shoddy imo fwiw tbh

It's just because there's a silver outline to the giant number, and the reflection of the light on it was just too much for Manu's crappy phone camera. On the 2nd pic (probably taken by a pro) it comes out much better.

[will_spurs]

One of my favorite moments was when Cowherd said he could score on Bowen, and Bowen just schooled him. Unfortunately the vid seems to be unavailable on ESPN :(

[ace3g]

One of my favorite moments was when Cowherd said he could score on Bowen, and Bowen just schooled him. Unfortunately the vid seems to be unavailable on ESPN :(

http://a.espncdn.com/photo/2010/0401/radio_cowherd_bowen1_576.jpg

more from photo gallery:

http://espn.go.com/espnradio/gallery/?id=5047357

[The ADMIRAL 50]

So will the ceremony be available to view on spurs.com later tonight/tomorrow? unfortunately it looks like I'll be missing it and tonight's contest..

[Crazymaddopeyo]

Stoked for Bruce!

S2A9iGhatcc

[Obstructed_View]

I just realized that NBA league pass broadband isn't going to show any of the halftime stuff. Damn. If anyone goes, get video to post plz.

[Obstructed_View]

Stoked for Bruce!

S2A9iGhatcc

JAMES W...


No, not tonight.