It fucking better after A.J.'s was retired.
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It fucking better after A.J.'s was retired.
AJ was our general and hit the title-clinching shot in our first run, that title team got things rolling...he deserves to have his retired.
As for Bowen, I say no. Give him a tribute but having his jersey retired is too much for a player that although contributed was nothing out of this world.
Yep...No question about it.
With all the $ the Front office is spending, you think they would miss a chance to pack the house again for that ceremony. I kid, I kid
Vital to all 3 rings.
We are witnessing history this last decade.
Duncan, Parker, Manu, Robinson, Avery, Bruce, Sean. All should be.
It should take A.J.'s jersey spot imfo.
No.
Bruce getting his jersey retired would honestly be ridiculous, it would completely cheapen the retiring of jerseys. Malik was vital in what 3? of our title teams as well, was the embodiment of a Spur, was just as big a part of the community as Bruce, loved the city just as much, etc.
Honor both of these guys with a tribute but thats it, cant believe some of u guys are actually in favor of retiring his jersey.
You mean other than playing the best perimeter defense in the NBA for how many seasons now? If you need a reminder about how great Bowen was defensively, just take a look at the 2007 Finals again. Bowen was amazing guarding Lebron.Quote:
Originally Posted by FkLA
Bowen deserves to have his jersey retired because his defense was a HUGE reason the Spurs won 3 titles. Not to mention how many timely shots he hit in the playoffs.
I know what he did, it was vital yes...just as Malik's play off the bench was vital in our other title yrs. But he was average on the offensive end, sometimes even a liability. And as much as I love Bruce, he wasnt a stopper cause guys like Kobe always got their points...he made them work hard yes and probably played them better than anyone else. But those guys got their points regardless.Quote:
Originally Posted by Nathan Explosion
Should Malik have his jersey retired?
Well Malik only played on 2 so I don't know how he would be vital to three...Quote:
Originally Posted by FkLA
Typical Bruce Bowen hater who never saw what he brought to the team or what he did FOR the team.
Recockulas indeed.
Without question. I don't even think it will really be debated within the organization.
yes!!
Quote:
Originally Posted by FkLA
Seriously, really? It will be up there, as it should. I can't believe people who even question this.
Yeah, and Rodman and Steve Kerr should have their jersey hanging from the roof of the United Center.Quote:
Originally Posted by Nathan Explosion
Without a doubt. Bowen's defense is what made spurs basketball for the past 8 years.
I dont hate Bruce homie. I appreciate what he did, but retiring the jersey of a one-dimensional player is ridiculous...he made the stars work harder for their points than anybody else did but at the end of the day the stars still got their points.Quote:
Originally Posted by EricB
Exactly. Bruce was a role player, a good one but a role player nontheless.Quote:
Originally Posted by DMX7
Bruce is a lock.
It's a lock and IMHO, a waste of bandwidth to even think and discuss differently.
If AJ's game winner is a good enough reason alone to retire a jersey in SA then surely with the 3 prior Championships you have to give Bowen credit for holding down the defense on the perimeter and his defense against Kobe and Billups secured a few championship especially when Paker almost single handedly blew the 2005 in game 7's final minutesQuote:
Originally Posted by FkLA
Bowen played a much bigger role for the franchise than Avery did. Bowen was a major cog on 3 title teams, while Avery played on 1 team. To claim that Avery belongs because of one shot while Bowen doesn't is just ridiculous.
Bowen's perimeter defense, along with Duncan's interior defense, helped fuel one of the best defensive teams year after year.
Bowen chased around players like Kobe, Lebron, Nash, Billups, Ray Allen, Dirk and many others.
Think about how different each player's style is and how Bowen adapted to each situation and excelled.
For people to ignore that is foolish.
Bowen wasnt even the best defender on his team the past 8 yrs.Quote:
Originally Posted by spurzzzz
Yes and it will be!!!
I only agree with AJs jersey retirement for the simple fact that it was the first title and it got the ball rolling...without that first title who knows how things play out. If AJ wouldve done what he did in any other title year I wouldnt be in favor of his jersey retirement because there's no disputing that he was an average player.Quote:
Originally Posted by galvatron3000
Bowen was great for us, but at the end of the day still a one-dimensional role player. Malike played a vital role in some of our other runs as well, that doesnt mean he should get his jersey retired.
I honeslty hope the Spurs dont decide to retire Bowen's jersey. It would completely cheapen the retirement of jerseys.
not even a question...
YES
He had as much to do with winning 3 'ships as Sean and AJ did in winning 1.
Anyone who says he didn't contribute anything extraordinary needs to stop watching Lebron highlight dunks and pay attention to other aspects of the game.
Most definetely, sure he wasn't great offensively but his defense was superb. He relished at the chances of gurading Kobe,Allen and LeBron. He's was very tenacious on D, and who can forget his timely 3 point shooting in the playoffs. He was one of the few guys we had that could help out the Big 3 and bring it every game. Especially his 3point shooting in the classic playoff series against the Lakers in 2003, when I believe he hit like 7 treys in one game. I think he deserves to have his jersey up there.
So should the Bulls retire Rodman's jersey? The Lakers Fisher's or Fox's?
Come on man, I love Bruce too...but open your damn eyes he was a one-dimensional role player. Great organizations dont just retire the jerseys of everyone that plays a role in a title. This is completely stupid and people are being blinded by the love they have for Bruce.
To say that Malik played a bigger role than Bowen is ludicrous. Malik was a spark player while Bowen was a starter that wreaked havoc on the defensive end.
However, I will say that Malik did contribute to 3 title teams. He won two with the Spurs and helped bring Nazr over in 2005. ;)
If anyone is being blinded, it is you. You claim that Bruce "only" played defense, ignoring the fact that he was arguably the best defender in the league during the 3 titles run. He was just any defender, he was the premier defender in the league.Quote:
Originally Posted by FkLA
The Spurs had Duncan and Bowen anchoring the defense, and while Duncan is a great, defender, this year we saw what happens when you don't have a perimeter defender to cause trouble for opposing teams best players.
Yes
We wouldn't have gotten any of the last three rings without him locking down the best opposing player night in and night out!!
No Bowen = at least one less title.
Not a bigger role, but an equal role or at the very least very close to an equal role...people praise Bowen for guarding players as small and quick as Nash than the next series guarding players as big and explosive as Lebron. Are u guys forgetting some of the players Malik D'd up? The dude would stand his ground against fucken Shaq, who had like 5 inches and who knows how many pounds on him. Than go out and guard guys like Dirk out on the perimeter the next series. He was also a much more polished offensive player than Bowen ever was, u bring up his 7 treys against LA in 2003 and I remind u of Malik's 20+ points off the bench against the Nets that same year. I think people forget how important Malik was as well.Quote:
Originally Posted by Nathan Explosion
Malik deserves a huge tribute, as does Bruce but thats it. Having the Spurs retire Bruce's jersey would be the equivalent of the Lakers retiring Fisher's or Rick Fox's...its laughable.
Are the Bulls's retiring Rodman's jersey?Quote:
Originally Posted by Nathan Explosion
I think it should possibly be retired for the 2005 run by itself. Made AI put up lousy numbers in round one, made Ray Allen cry in round 2, made Shawn Marion flat DISAPPEAR in the WCF, and then did a very credible job on Rip Hamilton before being switched onto Billups (who was murdering the Spurs up to that point) which was probably the key adjustment to winning the Finals.
If they handed out MVP's for the entire playoff run and not just the Finals, he might have gotten my vote that year. Throw in the defense he's played night in and night out, the big shots he's hit in the playoffs, and his dedication to the team as well as being a model for what it means to be a Spur, I don't see how this is up for debate.
dont forget the run he had in the 2007 finals on Lebron.Quote:
Originally Posted by El Jefe
The mistake came when they retired Johnny Moore's number. Then when Avery took over the assist leadership, they had to put his up there as well. Second mistake. The third mistake would be adding Bowen up there.
It should be reserved for only the very best. On the current team, we'll add the big 3. That's plenty for one era. Besides, we have to save some room for a couple more championships.
You tell me one person that Kobe can't get points on?...He was a huge part of why the Team played great D all of those years...I say definately retire his number here...That would be a huge slap in the face not too?...Quote:
Originally Posted by FkLA
Yes.
:toastQuote:
Originally Posted by El Jefe
Last time I checked it takes a team to win championships?...So being a mistake would be stupid to say?....He deserves it....Quote:
Originally Posted by Da Spurs
How hilarious would it be if the Lakers retired Fisher's jersey?
That is exactly how idiotic it would be to retire Bowen's. Spurs would and should get ridiculed for it.
The celtics have like 22 numbers retired.Quote:
Originally Posted by Da Spurs
You're telling me all of those players scored 20+ a night.
Bruce was the part of the very best.
Playoffs 2005
Carmelo Anthony
Against Spurs, 19.2 ppg on 42%.
Ray Allen
Against Spurs, 21.5 ppg on 43%. (In the first round he had averaged 32ppg)
Shawn Marion
Against Spurs, 7.8 ppg on 39%. (Over the first two rounds he had averaged over 22ppg on over 50% shooting)
Rip Hamilton
Against Spurs, 16.7 ppg on 39%. (Over the first three rounds he had averaged over 20ppg on nearly 50% shooting)
Here's an old post of mine about Bowen. It still applies:
Quote:
Originally Posted by Old Post by Me
if bowen goes up than horry dose and if horry dose that rose dose and if that happenes lets put the whole 03 team up there for drob a title his last year
stephen jackson was crazy good one year and so was jarren jackson so let's get them up ther too
damn i forgot nazi the spurs don't win in 05 with out him
fuck when dose it stop
Who cares if they get ridiculed for it.Quote:
Originally Posted by FkLA
That's comes along with being a Spur...not caring or responding to what critics say.
Appreciating what a player can do other than scoring is in the fabric of the Spurs. So maybe in LA they wouldn't see being the best lock down defender of his time worthy of a distinguishment like a jersey retirment, but in the Spurs organization it is.
I belive if Fish did for the Spurs what he has done for the Lakers he would be getting his # retired
+1 :tu KoriQuote:
There is absolutely nothing anyone can learn about Bruce Bowen by sitting and compiling stats. But if you watch this guy 82 games a year and see this ~6'6, under 200 pound guy doing whatever it takes and whatever you ask of him, night in and night out, you'll really appreciate him.
That makes no sense whatsoever. Bowen was on the Spurs team for EIGHT years. Every guy in the locker room will attest to huge part in those titles.Quote:
Originally Posted by pkbpkb81
Don't start talking about players with one good year. And it's "does" not "dose."
I don't think everyone from 03 should go up, but I don't believe the team would have advanced without Bowen's in-your-shorts defense and I don't mean advanced just thru the finals - I mean year after year he flat out helped. His hard work has EARNED his # being up in the rafters, I believe.
Well, two are non-players and most of the rest are in the Hall of Fame. Oh, by the way, they've been around since 1946.Quote:
Originally Posted by gospursgojas
http://www.nba.com/celtics/history/RetiredNumbers.htmlQuote:
Originally Posted by gospursgojas
In this current Spurs era, if you could choose a player not named Tim Duncan to be the embodiment of the Spurs, Bowen's name would pop up more than a few times.
Bowen did whatever it took to win. He wasn't stylish and didn't make SportsCenter, but he was a professional through and through. Night in and night out he did the dirty work needed to slow down elite players.
Kobe may have scored points on Bruce, but he scored at a clip of a point a shot, which is not a good percentage. The more shots an elite player takes, the less he's getting his team involved and is actually hurting the team's cause. That was Bowen's job.
Bowen's game is never going to show up in the numbers. Bowen's game was about winning, not stats, and in that, he was up there with some of the Spurs greats.
BTW, the Lakers equivelant of retiring Bowen's number would probably be Horry. Horry hit countless big shots, but the underrated part of his game was doing whatever it took to win, especially defensively.
Horry and Bowen are smart, smart players who win games without showing up in the boxscore.
There should be no doubt that his jersey get retired. He was a very big help in our latest championships on his defense that guarded the top players on the oposing team. Hopefully he returns back to the Spurs though.
Well guess what? Lakers arent retiring Horry's number...they love the guy to death for what he did, he will always be remembered, and will likely get some type of tribute but he wont get his number retired. Also Rodman was the best defensive player of his time, best rebounder, etc and he has yet to have his number retired by the Bulls and it appears that it will never happen. IMO Rodman is even more deserving of the Bulls retiring his jersey than Bowen having the Spurs retire his.Quote:
Originally Posted by Nathan Explosion
Bowen was a huge part of our teams, no doubt...just like Horry was for the Lakers and Rodman was for the Bulls but at the end of the day they are still simply very good role players. Retiring their jerseys completely cheapens the act itself.
Abso fucking lutely.
His jersey will be retired and should be retired. Some people are posting on here like we was a hired gun Pop used to get the team over the hump for two years. Have you guys not been watching the past 8 years?
There is such a thing as intangibles.
lol, 7-8 from 3-point range. More proof he doesn't belong, let's see if he gets that without Duncan sucking up his defender nearly ever possession.Quote:
Originally Posted by baseline bum
+1,000,000Quote:
Originally Posted by FkLA
You retire the jersey of franchise level players not role players who gave you 6 seasons of great defense and 7 points and 2 rebounds per game.
Bowen's impact on the game AS A SPUR is incalculable, defense prowess then in early millenium years was not sexy, you can't dismiss the years when the Spurs success was predicated on defense first and offense second. Bowen led the parade. Bruce's All Defensive NBA team honors, how he was the call guy for lockdown late game assignments, Pop would Trust In Bruce and let loose the dog of war. Where's the ladder, hooks and rope, I'll put his jersey up there myself.
I understand why everyone loves him but he wasn't great just very good so I don't think he belongs
Take a.j down to
Yeah... 3 point shooting = bad.Quote:
Originally Posted by DMX7
Everyone who thinks Bruce's jersey should NOT be retired here needs to be immediately fucking pinked.
I cant BELIEVE some supposed Spurs fans would argue against it just because of stats. The dude brought WAAAAAAYYY fucking more than just numbers. The guy was robbed 3 years out of DPOY nevermind his community contributions which supposedly was a major factor in A.J.'s jersey retirement.
bottom line, fuck you assholes who think his jersey shouldnt be retired... FUCK. YOU.
Thank you for that. I knew that was my recollection that Bowen did some major work in that run, but it's nice to see the actual numbers. And the ownage of Shawn Marion was actually even worse than I thought!Quote:
Originally Posted by Kori Ellis
As for everyone saying it would "cheapen the act of retiring a jersey", what does that even mean? There is no criteria for retiring one, no set of regulations. You do it for the players that meant the most to your team. I don't see how honoring a guy who was a CRITICAL part of 3 championships teams is in anyway cheap. Maybe other franchises wouldn't do it, but the Spurs won 4 titles doing a lot of things other franchises wouldn't do. Bruce may very well be the embodiment of that mindset right there. It's a crime if his jersey doesn't get raised.
no fuck you ok so you want us pinked becuse we don't agree with you what the fuck is this spursreportQuote:
Originally Posted by phyzik
Spurs are the 4th most winningnest franchise in basketball in regards to titles...behind the Celtics, Lakers, and Bulls. There are standards for retiring jerseys and even moreso if you are one of the best franchises in the NBA's history. We cant just be retiring every single great role player's, that shit is ridiculous and cheapens the act.Quote:
Originally Posted by phyzik
You think the Lakers are retiring Fisher's and Horry's? You think the Bulls are retiring Kerr's or Rodman's? Those player played just as huge of roles on their respective teams as did Bowen on the Spurs. We should thank Bruce, always remember him, and tribute him but thats it. He does not deserve to have his jersey retired.
Check out Kobe's shooting percentage for that game as well. Bowen was a ridiculous .833 from the field. That's a fluke.Quote:
Originally Posted by DMX7
However, what wasn't a fluke was Kobe's shooting percentage, 27 points, 9 for 24 from the field, .333 FG percentage.
He does have a point, whoever dosent think Bowen shouldent get his number retired is stupid :lolQuote:
Originally Posted by pkbpkb81
Exactly.Quote:
Originally Posted by El Jefe
Malik Sealy is retired in Minny and Bobby Phills retired in N.O. just because they died. (No offense .. RIP) The Magic have number 6 retired as "Fans Sixth Man". There's no rules. If the Spurs just had David and Iceman up.. then I could see arguing that Timmy would be the only other to go up (relatively) soon. But with Sean, AJ etc in the rafters, I don't doubt for a second that Bowen is in their plans.
What Im saying is if A.J.'s jersey is retired there is NO FUCKING EXCUSE to NOT retire Bruce's jersey. He brought WAY more than that scrub who got 1 lucky shot in.Quote:
Originally Posted by pkbpkb81
TRUE DAT !!! What he said ^Quote:
Originally Posted by BuzzerBeater
I'll hold the ladder for you.
Quote:
Originally Posted by FkLA
As far as winning percentage is concerned, the Spurs are #3. FYI.
No, there really aren't.Quote:
Originally Posted by FkLA
No, there are no "standards". Its not about Stats and being "the man". Just look up in the rafters and look at A.J.'s jersey for proof.Quote:
Originally Posted by FkLA
For the Spurs its about how they contributed to the team, regardless of stats, as well as how they contributed to the community.
If ANYONE fits those standards, its Bruce motherfucking Bowen.
Don't forget, Jordan's 23 is retired in Miami. If there were rules for this sort of thing, I'm pretty sure "Only players who have been on your roster" would be #1Quote:
Originally Posted by Kori Ellis
And if you need further proof of Bowen's superior defensive excellence, check out the waning moments of Game 7 of the 2005 NBA Finals versus the Pistons, when Bowen, out of a timeout, blocked Chauncey Billiups' game-ending shot at the buzzer.Quote:
Originally Posted by Nathan Explosion
Bowen was THE elite, perimeter defender of his era and a perennial DPOY candidate - even thoiugh he never won the award. The Spurs entire defensive philosophy started with him. There's no doubt he deserves to have his number retired.Quote:
Originally Posted by Nathan Explosion
As of late, the recent Spurs aren't your typical franchise. The Spurs just did what it took to win. Substance over style.
Bowen was the epitome of substance over style. Hence why he WILL get his number retired, regardless of what some people here think.
ok i see your point let's take a.j.'s downQuote:
Originally Posted by phyzik
Which is why I clearly said in regards to titles...Bulls have 6 fyi.Quote:
Originally Posted by Nathan Explosion
AJ was the general of the 99' team homie, he was the point guard and ran the show...he wasnt just some 'scrub that hit a lucky shot'. With that said he was indeed an average player and I would be against his jersey retirement if it wasnt for the fact that he played a huge role in our very FIRST title. Winning the first title got the ball rolling for us, if we dont win that one who knows how things play out. The first of everything is usually very sentimental for everyone that is the only reason AJ's number is up there.Quote:
Originally Posted by phyzik
Again I ask u...Rodman and Kerr were equally as importan to the Bulls as Bowen to us, Fisher and Horry equally as important as Bowen to us. They arent getting their jerseys retired by those team, why should we? Look Bowen was great for the Spurs and he deserves tons of recognition noone is denying that, retiring a jersey though signifies alot though. And role players, regardless of how good they are do not deserve such a recognition.
I felt that way back when his Jersey was retired, just look up my posts, it shouldnt have been done. But if his is up there, there is no WAY you dont retire Bruce's Jersey.Quote:
Originally Posted by pkbpkb81
if there's a ceremonyhttp://oblivio.com/media/motherfucker.jpg .Without Bruce we will still have 4 titles. Lets retire #34Quote:
Originally Posted by phyzik
I actually agree with Pat Riley on this one. He states that Jordan was so transcendent that his number should have been retired by every team, so he took that step and retired 23 in honor of Jordan.Quote:
Originally Posted by El Jefe
One of the few problems I have with Lebron is that he wears 23 because of Jordan. I've done a complete 180 on Lebron since he's come into the league and feel that he should have a different number in the interest of starting his own legacy.
If Lebron were to be the greatest of all time, he'd do it wearing Jordan's number still.
However, let's say he wore 15 or something like that, how many kids for years to come would wear that 15 jersey in honor of the greatest of all time (should he achieve that many years down the line)?
I know, I actually saw them win all 6. However, as ESPN argued, the Spurs are the 3 greatest franchise because of the consistency shown over the years by the franchise.Quote:
Originally Posted by FkLA
The Bulls have a great 90s run and that's it. The Spurs have been very successful throughout the history of the franchise, save for the 80s teams.
Anyway, regardless of what you think or feel, Bowen was a major cog in the Spurs' championship teams, and his number will be retired.
How about all the clutch 3's year after year. The smart play and ofcourse the D.Quote:
Originally Posted by FkLA
Gee, if you do that, then let's just add a bunch more good Spurs. Larry Kenon, Terry Cummings, Mike Mitchell were either the 2nd or 3rd best player on their teams. These guys were great players in their own rights, had great Spurs careers and averaged more points, rebounds, etc. than Bruce Bowen ever thought about. We didn't win the championships because of Bruce Bowen. We won them because of Tim freakin Duncan.
Ok so there are 2 types of posters in this thread:
- people who watch and understand what basketball is about and think Bowen's jersey should be retired
- others
Others being lets use the Lakers criteria for retiring jerseysQuote:
Originally Posted by will_spurs
Wait, so you're ok with AJ's jersey being retired, but not with Bowen's? Surely I'm just misinterpreting something here.Quote:
Originally Posted by FkLA
And you keep bringing up Chicago not retiring Rodman or Kerr. I don't see how it's relevant to the argument. Nor Fisher with LA. Should the Spurs sit around and wait to see what Chicago or LA do before deciding how to honor any more of their own players? Do they need permission? (BTW I wouldn't see a problem with LA retiring Fish's number. I'm not sure they would, and I'll never forgive the little turd for .4, but it wouldn't be absurd to me if they went that route)
Every franchise is a little different. The Spurs valued teamwork, defense, and desire to win over statistics for many years. It won them 4 titles. I'd like to see them honor those values by raising Bowen's jersey. I understand you seem to think it's a little much, I just don't buy either the "it cheapens the gesture" argument, nor do I buy the slippery slope argument (Andrew Gaze, up to the rafters with you!) If the Spurs decide it's the appropriate response, then I'd love to be there that night to cheer Bowen one more time.
True.Quote:
Originally Posted by will_spurs
Was Duncan the foundation of the championship teams? Of course, and that's why his jersey will be in the rafters the SECOND he's available to attend the ceremony.Quote:
Originally Posted by Da Spurs
But it's disingenuous to say he won them on his own. No one can, and if someone DID think he single handedly won titles, they don't understand how basketball is played.
The core of the 99 team (sans Duncan) is already up in the rafters. The core of 03, 05 and 07 are all still playing. Duncan, Parker and Ginobili are given, and if anyone can conjure up a coherent argument for leaving the last two off, I'll be shocked.
There is one other player who played on all 3 teams, who started, logged 30+ minutes every night, who routinely did everything to win and stepped up time and time again in playoff situations. How anyone doesn't include Bowen in the core of those 3 title teams is beyond me.
The only Spur in danger of not having his number retired out of this group is Manu. Dude needs to turn in one more awesome 2005-style playoff run capped off with a championship and maybe even challenge for the Finals MVP again. Right now he's more famous for his bald spot than his game and that needs to change immediately.
I never said he single handedly won titles. I said we won titles because of him. Take him off our team and we would have won ZERO FUCKING TITLES! Much like Chicago would have won ZERO FUCKING TITLES without MJ.Quote:
But it's disingenuous to say he won them on his own. No one can, and if someone DID think he single handedly won titles, they don't understand how basketball is played.
Sure you need a team and the big 3 are locks to be in the rafters. Bowen? Not so sure.
Quote:
Originally Posted by 50 cent
Consider it done!!!
We had some good teams in the early eighties, 83 western conference finals team, after we traded the Iceman it went downhill for 5 years or so. Not bad for rebuilding till D Rob came to town.Quote:
Originally Posted by Nathan Explosion
I am on the fence on Bowen's jersey, I am leaning to no. There is definitely going to be 3 going to the rafters soon, but Avery makes it seem like the door is open. I kind of feel like it would Chicago retiring Kukoc's number, is it necessary?
I hope Bowen's jersey is hung in a way to box out our view of the Avery Johnson jersey.
That would be a first. To have a future Hall of Famer on your team who doesn't get his jersey retired.Quote:
Originally Posted by J.T.
:lol:lol:lol
And don't think he isn't a HOF'er with his international achievements as well.
Pretty much.Quote:
Originally Posted by will_spurs
Anyone that discredits Bowen by bringing up stats loses spur fan status by default.
Those of you that keep justifying Avery because he hit the shot that sealed the first championship are ridiculous.
It was game fucking 5 and we were dominant that offseason. We weren't going to lose 3 games in a row.
Bowen's block on Billups' 3 late in Game 7 in 2005 was much more important than Avery's shot in game 5.
Avery was the career assist leader. It wasn't just the one shot. Of course, we were all used to him missing them.
Bowen deserves to have his jersey retired period. And those few nonbelievers need to stop their bullshit about Bowen being a "role" player. Just because he wasn't an all-star player doesn't mean that he hasn't earned a jersey retirement. He was very important to the Spurs title run in 03. His defense on Kobe was superb. And remember the 6 3 pointers he made one game. No Bowen in 03 = Lakers 4peat. 05, Bowen completely harassed Ray Allen and Shawn Marion and did an excellent job against Rip. He did the clutch block on Billups. 07, Bowen made LeBron disappear. He also did great at defending Nash. Bruce has also done alot for the community. He is a true Spur at heart. Right now, so many Spurs fans want him back even if he's old as hell.
And fkla, you're an idiot if you think Avery deserves a jersey retirement over Bruce. So one winning shot > defense that lead to three titles. Btw, i think Elliott's shot did it for the Spurs in 99. Anyways, Tim, Manu, Tony, and Bruce all deserve a jersey retirement. If Bowen was just a "role" player, he would have been gone a long time ago. But he was worth so much that his jersey should be raised. No question.
Yes.
Nothing else to discuss
Bowen represented what the Spurs was about the last 8 years by working hard, playing the best perimeter defense in the league, and valuing teamwork.
To compare his contributions to those of Malik Rose, Steve Kerr and Dennis Rodman is absolutely retarded, and shows little to no understanding of basketball.
Bowen was more influential on the Spurs 3 championships than Avery Johnson was on the 99 title.