Does Bruce Bowen have another great year in him? Who will replace him?

[BigShotBob]

He just turned 36. That's pretty old for someone his size in the NBA. I know he's in great shape, and never seems to get hurt, but do you think he has it in him for another good year? He seems to have borrowed a trick out of the Malone/Stockton bag and gotten dirtier as the skills have diminished. Not that I don't love it when the other team's player cry about it. Is it a mistake to depend on him without a replacement in mind? Not only the crucial defense, but I think the Spurs have really gotten comfy with that corner 3-point shot he has perfected. Is there a cheap option out there? Is there an expensive option, someone who might demand a player like Ginobilli in a trade, and would it be worth it to mess with team chemistry so soon after the title?

[SouthernFried]

Yes

No

[Strike]

I always forget about his age.

I think his work ethic and determination make up for it, though. I can see him still being a top tier defender in the 07-08 season.

With that said, the Spurs need to bring in a young'un that Bowen can work with to eventually replace him.

[ChumpDumper]

James White!

[medstudent]

Free Flight and prepare for takeoff

[Ronaldo McDonald]

He hasn't showed any signs of slowing down, so I wouldn't really worry about him not being able to contribute in the same ways and at the same level as he has in the past.

I still think we need someone long and athletic, just to be on the safe side. How about that guy on the pistons, Maurice Evans? He can shoot the three, defend, and he's young. I don't know how much he's worth but I doubt he makes any more than 3 ml. If we could get him for that little it would be a steal.

There's also SJax...

[medstudent]

the real question is:

With two kids will Bruce Bowen still be able to play dirty and still be a role model for his children?

[ChumpDumper]

I still think we need someone long and athletic, just to be on the safe side. How about that guy on the pistons, Maurice Evans? He can shoot the three, defend, and he's young. I don't know how much he's worth but I doubt he makes any more than 3 ml. If we could get him for that little it would be a steal. He's not long and not a Piston.

Other than that, he's perfect.

[BlackFlagg]

the real question is:

With two kids will Bruce Bowen still be able to help win championships and be an even better role model for his children?


Absolutely! :lol :lol

[Ronaldo McDonald]

He's not long and not a Piston.

Other than that, he's perfect.

Oh, he's long

[lrrr]

Bowen has never had as much of an impact as he did this playoff run, he was at his BEST! I think he has time left, but eventually will need to be replaced.

Sad thing is, there is NO other player in the NBA like him (the work ethic, the lack of ego and the dedication). He is unique, and we should appreciate him while he is around.

[ChumpDumper]

Oh, he's long
6' 5.25" in shoes with a 6' 8" wingspan.

Not long.

If you're talking about some other part of his body, I don't need to know about it.

[Gummi]

Bruce has IMO two good years left in him. He keeps his body in great shape. I think the Spurs will offer him a two year contract this summer and then he'll probably retire.

For his replacement, I don't know. Possibly White, I'm not sure. Maybe the Spurs will draft an athletic, long SF that the Spurs could mold into a Bowen type of a player. The Spurs have the luxury of "time". Other NBA teams don't have the luxury of drafting players and mold them over time.

[mavs>spurs2]

I bet Bowen has about 1-2 good years left, maybe with a slight decline but he should still be a top 5 defender easy.

[Tippecanoe]

bruce bowen cant be replaced. it'll be ten years before the league sees another defensive specialist like him

meanwhile, james white bitches!!!!

[Switchman]

bring back devin brown.

[Beast Juice]

I'm from LA so I happen to see a lot of Arron Afflalo and I think he would be a perfect replacement for Bruce. Arron is one of the best lock down defenders in the College game and learning the tricks of the trade from the Master I dont see why he would not be a great NBA defender. He is also a pretty good shooter, plays hard, and is a proven winner. It looks like he might be available for us to draft this year.

James White might be the future backup too. Haven't seen much of him but I do know he can fly like no other.

[flame]

White had better replace him. Hopefully we can groom him into that spot. Otherwise we will just have a human highlight reel (imagine him barreling down a wide open paint time after time slamming it down until they D him up so he passes out to a wide open parker for 3. UNBEATABLE)

[K-State Spur]

I think we can squeeze at least one (probably 2, maybe 3) more quality season out of Bruce.

He still played 30 mpg @ 35 years old last year. If worst comes to worst, we can put him on an Horry plan and rest him more in the regular season and unleash him for the playoff run.

[CharlieMac]

Raja is on my wishlist.

[ancestron]

Bowen is an android. He will look the same in 10 years. Anyone notice he avgs like 40 minutes a game against the NBA's best scorers, yet he never sweats?
As long as Pop's staff continue to pull maintenance and change his oil regularly, Bruce Bowen will keep going.

[nkdlunch]

yes he does have another 2 or 3 great years.

[tlongII]

As long as the league allows Bowen to get away with his dirty tactics he will remain a Spur.

[bigFUNDAMENTAL]

Bowen is an android. He will look the same in 10 years. Anyone notice he avgs like 40 minutes a game against the NBA's best scorers, yet he never sweats?
As long as Pop's staff continue to pull maintenance and change his oil regularly, Bruce Bowen will keep going.

:lmao

[Darkwaters]

As long as the league allows Bowen to get away with his dirty tactics he will remain a Spur.

You need to watch Reggie Evans. That is a dirty player.

[Jimcs50]

Who will replace him?

http://www.macan.eng.br/wp-content/uploads/2006/03/bruce-lee.jpg

[Avitus1]

I'd like to see him retire after he gets the Defensive Player of the Year award. Its BS that he's not gotten it yet.

[Supergirl]

He just turned 36. That's pretty old for someone his size in the NBA. I know he's in great shape, and never seems to get hurt, but do you think he has it in him for another good year?

Yes, I do. He played in more games than anyone else, and more minutes per game, yet he never seems to tire or slow down.


He seems to have borrowed a trick out of the Malone/Stockton bag and gotten dirtier as the skills have diminished.

Nice diss thrown in there, just for good measure. Oh, and nice try. But Bowen's skills haven't diminished, and his style of play hasn't changed any. He's tough, and he won't give up on any play. He makes anyone he guards work for every possession.


Is it a mistake to depend on him without a replacement in mind?

Well, there isn't much choice, now is there? The Spurs would love to find someone to replace him, but much like David and TD, there isn't really ever going to be anyone who can completely replace him.


Is there a cheap option out there?
You know anyone?


Is there an expensive option, someone who might demand a player like Ginobilli in a trade, and would it be worth it to mess with team chemistry so soon after the title?

No trading Manu, Parker, or Tim. End of story.

[mikekim]

I'm from LA so I happen to see a lot of Arron Afflalo and I think he would be a perfect replacement for Bruce. Arron is one of the best lock down defenders in the College game and learning the tricks of the trade from the Master I dont see why he would not be a great NBA defender. He is also a pretty good shooter, plays hard, and is a proven winner. It looks like he might be available for us to draft this year.

James White might be the future backup too. Haven't seen much of him but I do know he can fly like no other.

Where is Affalo projected to go in the draft?? I'm from the LA area to so I've heard much about his defense...the "bowen" of the college game, if you go by some ucla fans I know (who don't despise bruce bowen).

[SenorSpur]

Like others have said, I don't think Bruce's contributions can ever be fully replaced. However, the Spurs DO need to start now. Ideally, I'd want to see the Spurs have 2 potential wing players. One young one and another who is approaching the midpoint of his career. This would provide a nice balance.

I'm glad the Spurs picked up rookie J White. Now that he is in the fold and has 1 year apprenticeship under his belt, I would like to see the Spurs acquire another athletic wing player (age 27-30) to go along with him. A guy whose got the length, quickness, athleticism, shooting touch, rebounding skills, and defensive capabilities to step into rotation NOW.

A few possibles that come to mind are:

Gerald Wallace
Mikael Pietrus
Matt Barnes
James Posey

Either one of these should be very suitable replacements and would be expected to have a relatively smooth transition into the Spurs organization.

You see where I'm going here. It may take two guys to effectively replace what Bowen brings.

[spurster]

At some point, Bowen's age has to start having an effect. Certainly, it can be seen in Horry, Barry, and Finley. If you keep these players, it would be prudent to have younguns who has some chance to replace what they do.

[Ocotillo]

To those who say we won't ever really be able to replace what Bowen gives us on the floor defensively, Sean Elliott was Bruce Bowen before Bruce was.

Sean would get the other teams best perimeter player back in his day. Sean was pretty good from the three point line as well.

[MrChug]

A few possibles that come to mind are:

Gerald Wallace
Mikael Pietrus
Matt Barnes
James Posey

Man, the other 3 are great and they could happen but Gerald Wallace is FAR from "possible". If it happened, I would shave my head and make a human sacrifice to the basketball godz as a defensive presence like that could lock up at least the next 2 championships I'M SURE OF IT!

[Duff McCartney]

I remember earlier in the year everyone was throwing dirt over Bruce Bowen because he was getting torched by players.

I guess he was saving his best for last.

[SenorSpur]

To those who say we won't ever really be able to replace what Bowen gives us on the floor defensively, Sean Elliott was Bruce Bowen before Bruce was.

Sean would get the other teams best perimeter player back in his day. Sean was pretty good from the three point line as well.

True dat. Sean was a heckuva defender and an even better offensive player. However, I don't believe Sean's defensive efforts ever garnered consideration for DPOY. Bruce is a downright defensive demon in the mode of an Alvin Robertson (without the steals, of course).

The Spurs have really been "playing with house money" given Bruce's age and "iron man" consistency over the past 2-3 years. Bowen is an amazing physical specimen, would could probably play until he's 40. However if you're the Spurs, you don't want to continue waiting. I expect them are going to treat this offseason search very seriously.

[wildbill2u]

He just turned 36. That's pretty old for someone his size in the NBA. I know he's in great shape, and never seems to get hurt, but do you think he has it in him for another good year? He seems to have borrowed a trick out of the Malone/Stockton bag and gotten dirtier as the skills have diminished. Not that I don't love it when the other team's player cry about it. Is it a mistake to depend on him without a replacement in mind? Not only the crucial defense, but I think the Spurs have really gotten comfy with that corner 3-point shot he has perfected. Is there a cheap option out there? Is there an expensive option, someone who might demand a player like Ginobilli in a trade, and would it be worth it to mess with team chemistry so soon after the title?

what a crock of shit. He went through the playoffs without ever fouling out and had only 7 fouls in the whole Cavs series against one of the premiere offensive players in the league.

We need to replace him, and he has his limitations, but don't call him dirty.

[mardigan]

Posey is very intresting to me. He is coming out of a contract where he was making over 6 million a year, but he will get no where near that at this point in his career. He will be 31 going into next year, about the same age Bruce was when we got him. He is tough, a great defender, a good 3 point shooter, and has overall a much better offensive game than Bruce does. I think he would be a great fit if he didnt want to much money

[Ocotillo]

True dat. Sean was a heckuva defender and an even better offensive player. However, I don't believe Sean's defensive efforts ever garnered consideration for DPOY. Bruce is a downright defensive demon in the mode of an Alvin Robertson (without the steals, of course).

The Spurs have really been "playing with house money" given Bruce's age and "iron man" consistency over the past 2-3 years. Bowen is an amazing physical specimen, would could probably play until he's 40. However if you're the Spurs, you don't want to continue waiting. I expect them are going to treat this offseason search very seriously.

Yuh, even Sean calls Bruce "the Rash". My point is while you can't just grab some guy like Linton Johnson III and coach him to be a Bowen like defender, Bruce's role can be filled by an athletic guy with the right attitude. Defense is an attitude and the Spurs (read Popovich) has been good at finding players that buy in to what they are selling here in attitude and unselfishness.

[ClingingMars]

As long as the league allows Bowen to get away with his dirty tactics he will remain a Spur.

as long as the spurs keep winning championships no one GAF about your whining.

-Mars

[fatsack]

Who will replace him?



Devin Brown.

[SenorSpur]

Yuh, even Sean calls Bruce "the Rash". My point is while you can't just grab some guy like Linton Johnson III and coach him to be a Bowen like defender, Bruce's role can be filled by an athletic guy with the right attitude. Defense is an attitude and the Spurs (read Popovich) has been good at finding players that buy in to what they are selling here in attitude and unselfishness.

I'm really intrigued moreso by James Posey as a possible fit - at the right price, of course. Pietrus could be coached into the role too.

[Marcus Bryant]

Yes.

Posey (there's not really much else).

[Cry Havoc]

He just turned 36. That's pretty old for someone his size in the NBA. I know he's in great shape, and never seems to get hurt, but do you think he has it in him for another good year? He seems to have borrowed a trick out of the Malone/Stockton bag and gotten dirtier as the skills have diminished. Not that I don't love it when the other team's player cry about it. Is it a mistake to depend on him without a replacement in mind? Not only the crucial defense, but I think the Spurs have really gotten comfy with that corner 3-point shot he has perfected. Is there a cheap option out there? Is there an expensive option, someone who might demand a player like Ginobilli in a trade, and would it be worth it to mess with team chemistry so soon after the title?


You're a retard of a Spurs fan.

[dbreiden83080]

He just punked the leagues brightest star who is 14 years younger than him and you are talking about his age. Are you fucking kidding me or what here? Bruce will be great for another 2 years at least.