Bowen retiring from NBA

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=4442293

By Marc Stein
ESPN.com
Archive

After helping the San Antonio Spurs to win three championships and establishing himself as one of the premier perimeter defenders of the decade, Bruce Bowen is retiring at 38.

Bowen told ESPN.com that he will formally announce his retirement at a Thursday afternoon news conference and said he would elaborate more on his decision then.

It is believed that Bowen, who became an unrestricted free agent Aug. 1 when the Milwaukee Bucks bought out the final year of his contract, has decided to step away from the game because of his growing desire to pursue off-court business and community interests as well as a career in broadcasting.

dang. :(



thank you, bowen, for everything.
you will be missed.

12# will be remembered, and retired.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Bruno

...Bruce Bowen is retiring at 38.

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:depressed

Quote:

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...as well as a career in broadcasting.

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:elephant

:(

The best! You'll be missed Bruce!

Expected, but sad nonetheless. Thanks Bruce.

This is sad news - but I'd rather he retire than play for any other team. Thanks, Bruce, for all the hard work and for some great memories! :toast

Now let's get him a gig alongside Sean Elliott - that would be a riot!

Bruce has had an amazing career with Spurs. He has been a huge part of the last 3 titles. Thank you for everything, Bruce. :worthy:

Bruce and Sean as announcers together would be worth watching just by itself let alone the game.

Despite how he was hated by many fans and players for his style of play, he always seemed like a good guy off the court. The stories I've read of him and when I've heard him speak, he came across as well spoken, intelligent, thoughtful, and compassionate. It was probably time. It might have been time the previous two seasons.

Tough player who was easy not to like if you weren't a fan of the Spurs. Good guy.

he had been talking in such tones. he just could not see himself as anything but a spur. and he was the quintessential spur at that.

:pctoss

Thanks Bruce! :toast

Sad to see him retire, gonna miss him and kobe go at it.

http://www.mysanantonio.com/news/56933617.html

Bruce Bowen is retiring today

By Richard Oliver - Express-News

Bruce Bowen has known for some time that this day would come. And now that it’s here, he’s feeling surprisingly calm about it.

The former Spurs great is retiring from the NBA.

“I’m very happy,” Bowen, 38, said this morning. “It hasn’t been difficult. I was content about it and understood it was going to happen.”

At a news conference this afternoon at the Yardley’s Salon and Spa, the business he owns with his wife, Yardley, Bowen will officially hang up his sneakers and move toward a future that will still include ties to basketball.

In addition to working on his local business and charity interests, Bowen had an audition with ESPN earlier this week and will be working on something with Turner Broadcasting later. He may also be doing some broadcasting work on high school games.

He also hopes to continue his advertising work with H-E-B, Hallmark Institute and AT&T.

“I’m always going to do something around the game of basketball,” Bowen said.

Though the Spurs will not be signing him to a ceremonial one-day contract or anything or that nature, Bowen said he feels he’s retiring as a Spur.

“Everybody knows, and Pop said the same thing, ‘You’re a Spur,’ ” Bowen said, referring to coach Gregg Popovich.

He spent 12 seasons in the league, including the final eight with the Spurs. Regarded as one of the league’s strongest defenders, Bowen was part of three San Antonio championship teams.

On June 24, he was part of a three-team trade with the Bucks and Pistons that brought Richard Jefferson to San Antonio. After an extended wait, during which Milwaukee tried to ship Bowen to another team, the Bucks released him last month.

Though he is now a free agent, Bowen said he had no plans to move on. He’ll be staying in San Antonio, his adopted home. The Spurs, for their part, had made it clear he wasn’t in their future plans.

“It was just about being able to say, ‘All right, it’s done,’ ” he said.

The added bonus, Bowen said: Being home for his sons, ages 2 and 3.

“(Yardley) enjoys the chance for them to see ‘Papi’ more,” Bowen said.

Folks, it was time. We don't see the practices, we certainly didn't want to see the reach fouls when he'd been beat, we didn't want to admit how much he relied on tricks of the trade to stay on the court and we didn't want to admit that defenses fell back off him and didn't really bother guarding him anymore.

I'm just glad he had the courage to see it was time and the coaching staff didn't hesitate to help him make that decision.

Put the numbers in the rafters and thanks for everything you have done and continue to do for the city.

Well that sucks, I wonder if he would have retired if he'd have gotten an offer from the Spurs.

I'm gonna miss ya Bruce! :depressed
:(

Why doesn't the Spurs FO just sign him to the ceremonial one day contract? It's not going to hurt anything, that way he can officially retire as a Spur. I think that would be/send a special message.

well, not surpising. Shame for him it worked out this way

Isn't a little disheartening when 38 seems almost elderly? When, in reality, it's....38.

Not surprising but still sad to hear.

Thanks for the memories and best of luck in the future. Would love to see him broadcasting for sure.

Jersey in the rafters. :tu

The writing on the wall was last season when he saw limited action. He was "THAT DUDE"- quick hands and lighting feet. He'll be entertaining on the broadcast booth as well.

NOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


who the fuck is gonna guard Vagina Allen???? Wince Carter?????? Kobe Cryant??????

:pctoss :pctoss :pctoss :pctoss :pctoss :pctoss :pctoss

Its a sad day, but I am happy for him. He gave the Spurs some very good seasons. One of the best perimeter defenders of all time.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by King

Isn't a little disheartening when 38 seems almost elderly? When, in reality, it's....38.

---

Shaq NEEDS to follow suit. He's virtually pre-historic as far as NBA standards go. People say "Oh, but Shaq put up such great numbers last year..." That's because he was their 4th option and all the other options were injured! PHX had no one else to go to for scoring! :donkey

Shaq needs to retire!:flipoff

But taking NOTHING away from Bruce, we may never see a better one-on-one defender with his ability to pester, irritate and ability to get into the head of his opponent better than Bruce 'the Shadow' Bowen!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Bruno

http://www.mysanantonio.com/news/56933617.html

Bruce Bowen is retiring today

By Richard Oliver - Express-News

Bruce Bowen has known for some time that this day would come. And now that it’s here, he’s feeling surprisingly calm about it.

The former Spurs great is retiring from the NBA.

“I’m very happy,” Bowen, 38, said this morning. “It hasn’t been difficult. I was content about it and understood it was going to happen.”

At a news conference this afternoon at the Yardley’s Salon and Spa, the business he owns with his wife, Yardley, Bowen will officially hang up his sneakers and move toward a future that will still include ties to basketball.

In addition to working on his local business and charity interests, Bowen had an audition with ESPN earlier this week and will be working on something with Turner Broadcasting later. He may also be doing some broadcasting work on high school games.

He also hopes to continue his advertising work with H-E-B, Hallmark Institute and AT&T.

“I’m always going to do something around the game of basketball,” Bowen said.

Though the Spurs will not be signing him to a ceremonial one-day contract or anything or that nature, Bowen said he feels he’s retiring as a Spur.

“Everybody knows, and Pop said the same thing, ‘You’re a Spur,’ ” Bowen said, referring to coach Gregg Popovich.

He spent 12 seasons in the league, including the final eight with the Spurs. Regarded as one of the league’s strongest defenders, Bowen was part of three San Antonio championship teams.

On June 24, he was part of a three-team trade with the Bucks and Pistons that brought Richard Jefferson to San Antonio. After an extended wait, during which Milwaukee tried to ship Bowen to another team, the Bucks released him last month.

Though he is now a free agent, Bowen said he had no plans to move on. He’ll be staying in San Antonio, his adopted home. The Spurs, for their part, had made it clear he wasn’t in their future plans.

“It was just about being able to say, ‘All right, it’s done,’ ” he said.

The added bonus, Bowen said: Being home for his sons, ages 2 and 3.

“(Yardley) enjoys the chance for them to see ‘Papi’ more,” Bowen said.

---

I wonder if he'll turn up as a guest on the TNT show with Kenny & Charles. Bruce has a great personality; he'd fit right in with that crew. :-)

#12 in the rafters. Thank you, Bruce.

You the man, Bruce! Thanks for redefining Defense and helping the Spurs with those titles!

Good luck with the rest of your life, Bruce. We will miss you.

In a related note, Ray Allen reports that he strained ovary is now healed.


:toast to the last guy to ever wear #12

NO!!! THIS CAN'T BE HAPPENING : (

THANKS BRUCE FOR EVERYTHING!

03,05,07:lobt2:


:http://www.nba.com/media/portrBB_627_070614.jpg

They need to hurry up and announce which game will carry his name up to the rafters so I can buy my damn tickets.

You are still one of the alltime greats to me, Bruce.

The time was right for him. He was a great player. His number better be up in the rafters.

Bruce,

Thanks for the memories, great player, person, and one of the best defenders of the last 10 years. Class act, good luck in your future endeavors and hope to see your NUMBER RETIRED soon.



:lobt2::lobt2::lobt2:The team could not have done without you! 2003 2005 2007

Thank you Bruce! :worthy:

Early December for the ceremony please...

a landmark and sad day in the spurs world

Quote:

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Originally Posted by DAF86

Well that sucks, I wonder if he would have retired if he'd have gotten an offer from the Spurs.

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IMO, there's no "wonder" to have here. Bruce would certainly have stayed at least one more year if the spurs offered him a contract.


one of my favourite spurs. he will be missed. :toast

I am sad, but I guess it was bound to happen.

One of my fav spurs.

I am going to miss seeing him frustrate his opponents. No one got into the heads of players better than Bruce. No more corner 3's and last minute defensive heroics. All we can hope is that the Spurs are able to have the same intensity that Bruce brought every day to work. Here is to a great career Bruce!!!:toast

Quote:

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Originally Posted by JamStone

Despite how he was hated by many fans and players for his style of play, he always seemed like a good guy off the court. The stories I've read of him and when I've heard him speak, he came across as well spoken, intelligent, thoughtful, and compassionate. It was probably time. It might have been time the previous two seasons.

Tough player who was easy not to like if you weren't a fan of the Spurs. Good guy.

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My wife's family has season tickets next to where Yardley's are. Met him several times. He's a phenomenal person...great great guy...Spurs fan or not.

Thanks for everything Bruce :toast

Damn, Richard's got some huge shoes to fill this year. It's going to be so weird watching the Spurs and not seeing Bruce there; almost like when David retired. I can't believe the Spurs didn't bring him back. :pctoss

[quote=baseline bum;3667424 almost like when David retired.[/quote]

And yet they kept winning titles :toast

Playing defense seems like a lost art nowadays.

I´ve always considered the Spurs to have a "big 4" instead of a "big 3".
Bruce was that important, imo.
Good Luck and Thank you for everything !

Happy Retirement, Bruce!! We'll miss your "pesky" defense!

I guess the Spurs can lose their "dirty" label now that Bowen and Horry are gone.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by baseline bum

Damn, Richard's got some huge shoes to fill this year. It's going to be so weird watching the Spurs and not seeing Bruce there; almost like when David retired. I can't believe the Spurs didn't bring him back. :pctoss

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Agreed. I still don't think most fans understand what he meant to the Spurs defensively - he made the system work.

Cheers Bruce. The first thing that come to mind when we discuss the Spurs championships is usually the Big 3...but the reality of it is the Spurs always had a Big 4. :toast

Thanks for all the memories!

Bruce Bowen has always been one of my all time favorite basketball players ever. Sad to see him go.

Bruce is the man.

Here's to you, Bruce.:toast

A class act to the very end. You will be missed.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by baseline bum

Damn, Richard's got some huge shoes to fill this year. It's going to be so weird watching the Spurs and not seeing Bruce there; almost like when David retired. I can't believe the Spurs didn't bring him back. :pctoss

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Ive been watching Dick Jefferson play since we were in high school.

By January, everyone on this board will be screaming at what a dissapointment he's been.

Today is a sad day. I'm not going to any of my classes and will sit at home in rememberance of him. We will def. miss you Bruce. Hopefully that #12 will be in the rafters.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Fdawg07

Today is a sad day. I'm not going to any of my classes and will sit at home in rememberance of him. We will def. miss you Bruce. Hopefully that #12 will be in the rafters.

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I get it. Since Bruce had no class, youre not going to class.


CLEVER! :lol

I called it, back when Laker/Celtic fans were thinking they had a chance at Bruce joining their team. I knew it was going to be either come back a Spur or retire. Kudos to you Bruce..:tu. Can't wait to see that #12 hanging from the rafters..you deserve it. Not only were you one of the premier defenders in this league but you hit some pretty big shots at crucial times during many Playoff runs....but some people just don't seem to remember them...I do. Here's to Bruce Bowen....:toast

Quote:

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Originally Posted by da_suns_fan

I get it. Since Bruce had no class, youre not going to class.


CLEVER! :lol

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Way to try and troll this thread up...jackass.

I wish Bruce all the best with whatever he's going to do in the future. He's always been one of my favorite Spurs and it's going to be hard seeing him not on the team :(. Hopefully he can do some commentating with Sean Elliott during the games. How fun would that be :).

Quote:

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Originally Posted by tp2021

They need to hurry up and announce which game will carry his name up to the rafters so I can buy my damn tickets.

You are still one of the alltime greats to me, Bruce.

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They ought to do it for the Celtics game... sign him up for one game, unleash him on Allen (who will go 0-10), and then conduct the jersey ceremony after the game...

Or they could do it for either of the games Kobe comes to town...

That scenario would be the stuff of legends... :hat

Quote:

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Originally Posted by da_suns_fan

I guess the Spurs can lose their "dirty" label now that Bowen and Horry are gone.

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You are still bitter about Amare not being able to keep his retarded ass on the bench?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Phenomanul

They ought to do it for the Celtics game... sign him up for one game, unleash him on Allen (who will go 0-10), and then conduct the jersey ceremony after the game...

Or they could do it for either of the games Kobe comes to town...

That scenario would be the stuff of legends... :hat

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In that case, his number should be retired in the playoffs. :lol

Quote:

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Originally Posted by baseline bum

In that case, his number should be retired in the playoffs. :lol

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Not possible... because it would have to occur after the playoff roster setting deadline...

While remembering all he brought to the Spurs in his basketball career, we ought not forget the amazing personal story of Bruce from his truly bad home situation as a child to his determination and tenacity in working through rejection at the NBA level via seasons in minor leagues and foreign leagues to a point where he refined his skills in the one area that most players despise and overlook to become one of the best in the game.

Nor should we overlook his gifts to the community in volunteer work. I think Bruce will continue to be one of the San Antonio communitys bright stars and leaders.

So this isn't goodbye. It's welcome home Bruce.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by da_suns_fan

Ive been watching Dick Jefferson play since we were in high school.

By January, everyone on this board will be screaming at what a dissapointment he's been.

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It must suck being down there in the bottom of the Western Conference with Houston and the Clippers.

Bruce's Hall-of-Fame Credentials:

3 rings
15th all-time in playoff threes; 168
5 times 1st team all-Defense (of 17 in NBA history)
3 times 2nd team all-Defense (of 17 to make the all-Defensive team 8 times)
6 seasons playing all 82 games
5 consecutive seasons starting 82 games
8 seasons missing zero games due to injury
7 consecutive seasons not missing a start to injury
held Kobe to zero free throws made in back-to-back games in '08 WCFs (1 attempt)
held Kobe to one free throw made in three games (2 attempts)
held Kobe to only 10 FTs made in 5 games (11 attempts)
one of thee greatest man-to-man defensers in NBA history
Spurs were in top 5 in Defensive rating all 8 years w/ Bowen, with 7 in top 3, 5 in top 2, and 3 in 1st, according to Basketball Reference.com
Tim Duncan's best friend

The moment I remember best about Bruce was the 4th quarter of Game 7 in the 2005 Finals.

He hit a 3 pointer at the top of the key, not in the corner, that was cool, and to help seal the deal, a vicious block by Bowen on Chauncey Billups.

Can't wait to see #12 in the rafters at the AT&T real soon.

Bruce Bowen has always been one of my favourite Spurs. His work ethic, and the way he lay it out all on the floor was what really allowed him to become a championship level starter, and all-D team member.

To me, work ethic and professionalism is a talent. And Bowen oozes it.

Let's hope an era of defense is not lost with his departure

Quote:

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Originally Posted by da_suns_fan

I guess the Spurs can lose their "dirty" label now that Bowen and Horry are gone.

---

It's a shame the Suns are still gonna have their "suckass" label for the next few years with Nashes extension huh?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Galileo

Bruce's Hall-of-Fame Credentials:

3 rings
15th all-time in playoff threes; 168
5 times 1st team all-Defense (of 17 in NBA history)
3 times 2nd team all-Defense (of 17 to make the all-Defensive team 8 times)
6 seasons playing all 82 games
5 consecutive seasons starting 82 games
8 seasons missing zero games due to injury
7 consecutive seasons not missing a start to injury
held Kobe to zero free throws made in back-to-back games in '08 WCFs (1 attempt)
held Kobe to one free throw made in three games (2 attempts)
held Kobe to only 10 FTs made in 5 games (11 attempts)
one of thee greatest man-to-man defensers in NBA history
Spurs were in top 5 in Defensive rating all 8 years w/ Bowen, with 7 in top 3, 5 in top 2, and 3 in 1st, according to Basketball Reference.com
Tim Duncan's best friend

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will Bowen make the Hall?

No, unless years down the road defensive players are put in.

Would I vote for Bowen?

Yes.

If a player is a top 20 all-time offensive player, is below average on D, but has one defensive skill (like blocks or steals), and gets 3 rings, he's in the Hall.

Why not reverse it?

Bowen is a top 20 all-time defensive player, with one offensive skill (threes), and has three rings.

I say Bowen DESERVES to be in the Hall-of-Fame.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Steven

You are still bitter about Amare not being able to keep his retarded ass on the bench?

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Horry hip-checked Nash, not Bowen. Horry's been gone for a while.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by completely deck

It must suck being down there in the bottom of the Western Conference with Houston and the Clippers.

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Youre probably right. I dont play in the NBA so I wouldnt know.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Muser

It's a shame the Suns are still gonna have their "suckass" label for the next few years with Nashes extension huh?

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:lol Nice, Texas!

Phil and Kobe must be excited.

:pctoss

Phew

Now LeBron can win the championshp

Bowen made being a Spurs fan great. Thanks Bruce!

One of the dirtiest players to ever lace em up. Without Tim Duncan Bowen would have been out of the NBA years ago. Good riddance.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Galileo

Bruce's Hall-of-Fame Credentials:

3 rings
15th all-time in playoff threes; 168
5 times 1st team all-Defense (of 17 in NBA history)
3 times 2nd team all-Defense (of 17 to make the all-Defensive team 8 times)
6 seasons playing all 82 games
5 consecutive seasons starting 82 games
8 seasons missing zero games due to injury
7 consecutive seasons not missing a start to injury
held Kobe to zero free throws made in back-to-back games in '08 WCFs (1 attempt)
held Kobe to one free throw made in three games (2 attempts)
held Kobe to only 10 FTs made in 5 games (11 attempts)
one of thee greatest man-to-man defensers in NBA history
Spurs were in top 5 in Defensive rating all 8 years w/ Bowen, with 7 in top 3, 5 in top 2, and 3 in 1st, according to Basketball Reference.com
Tim Duncan's best friend

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I love Bruce and everything he's done for the team and the community, but no. Bruce Bowen does not belong in the hall of fame. Sorry to be a buzzkill.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by 23LeBronJames23

Phew

Now LeBron can win the championshp

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To Bruce Bowen. :toast

I've followed this team forever, but have seen them only once live. I'm so glad I got to see Bowen play. It was amazing to watch him in person, without having to depend on the cameras. He was a pest, and I mean that in the best way. Defense brings home Championships, and Bowen was one of the best. I wish him the best in whatever he persues.

:pctoss This has been an all-around crappy day.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Galileo

held Kobe to zero free throws made in back-to-back games in '08 WCFs (1 attempt)
held Kobe to one free throw made in three games (2 attempts)
held Kobe to only 10 FTs made in 5 games (11 attempts)

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:rollin Kobe shat on Bowen that entire series. Haha, yeah it was Bowen that "held" Kobe to no free throws, not the refs. Good one.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by coyotes_geek

I love Bruce and everything he's done for the team and the community, but no. Bruce Bowen does not belong in the hall of fame. Sorry to be a buzzkill.

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why not?

Is not defense just as important as offense in basketball?

Some think it more important.

Didn't get the frontpage on ESPN



Surprise surprise ...................................

:(

I'm trying to balance my sense of gratitude and admiration for Bowen with my frustration with the fact that he is retiring without having been recognized as the best defensive player in the game.

Congrats to Bruce on a great and inspirational career.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by duncan228

To Bruce Bowen. :toast

I've followed this team forever, but have seen them only once live. I'm so glad I got to see Bowen play. It was amazing to watch him in person, without having to depend on the cameras. He was a pest, and I mean that in the best way. Defense brings home Championships, and Bowen was one of the best. I wish him the best in whatever he persues.

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Same here. Good luck Bruce! You will always be one our best defenders ever!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Galileo

why not?

Is not defense just as important as offense in basketball?

Some think it more important.

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Defense is important. Bruce still isn't a HOF player.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Galileo

will Bowen make the Hall?

No, unless years down the road defensive players are put in.

---

Quote:

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Originally Posted by coyotes_geek

I love Bruce and everything he's done for the team and the community, but no. Bruce Bowen does not belong in the hall of fame. Sorry to be a buzzkill.

---

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Galileo

why not?

---

You've already answered your own question.

Per Manu's Facebook:

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Manu Ginobili

Brucey, thanks for 7 wonderful seasons (w/3 rings included!). U r gonna be missed, amigo! But in some way, glad you are not gonna be chasing me everywhere playing for another team! ;-). All the best for u and ur great fam!

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:lol I believe we're all secretly thinking the same thing.

Thanks for everything, Bruce. Your contributions and efforts will always be remembered, and it must be nice going out as one of the most beloved players for any city. San Antonio thanks you, and #12 has a spot waiting in the rafters.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Dex

Per Manu's Facebook:



:lol I believe we're all secretly thinking the same thing.

Thanks for everything, Bruce. Your contributions and efforts will always be remembered, and it must be nice going out as one of the most beloved players for any city. San Antonio thanks you, and #12 has a spot waiting in the rafters.

---

:toast

:depressed

The Express-News Bowen Slideshow.

http://www.mysanantonio.com/slidesho...en_090309.html

Quote:

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Originally Posted by 21_Blessings

Without Pamela Mackey Kobe would have been out of the NBA years ago. Good riddance.

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fify

Thanks Bruce.. for being a great Spur and all your hard work. You'll be missed out there. :toast

Bruce Bowen Announces Retirement
by Ryne Nelson
SLAM

Give Bruce Bowen credit for getting it right. Somehow, someway, Bruce Bowen managed to capture every basketball fan’s attention despite entering the League as an undrafted swingman with less offensive game than Cookie Monster (and that’s no disrespect to the furry dude).

Bowen won three titles. He played in 500 consecutive games. He earned eight straight All-Defensive First and Second Team nominations. DPOY runner-up twice. But, most of all, we watched the Spurs because of him.

Yeah, we watched to see Ginobili breaking ankles (and his own included), Tony Parker slicing through the lane like a knife through aged brie, and that dude called Tim kissing the glass. But Bruce Bowen was the reason we paid close attention. He was the reason many hated (and loved) the Spurs. Bruce Bowen, in many people’s eyes, embodied the hard-working, stop at nothing, come outta nowhere success story that the Spurs executed so well.

Now the 38-year-old is calling it a career. From the San Antonio Express-News:

Quote:

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Bruce Bowen has known for some time that this day would come. And now that it’s here, he’s feeling surprisingly calm about it. The former Spurs great is retiring from the NBA.

“I’m very happy,” Bowen, 38, said this morning. “It hasn’t been difficult. I was content about it and understood it was going to happen.”

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The Spurs still think they have what it takes to get another title, and, frankly, you can’t count them out as long as Duncan’s in-uniform and Gregg P is on the bench. But, without their Iron Man on defense, it’s going to be more of a struggle. Bowen’s been on the decline for the past couple years, and, despite solid playoff runs, the Spurs haven’t been able to claim the ultimate prize.

Some may have hated Bowen’s game, but all can appreciate his accomplishments — not only as a player, but for the Spurs organization and the San Antonio community. When we remember the Spurs dynasty, we’ll not only think about the Big Three, but also about Bruce B (sorry, but I had to claim the rhyme). And for everything he’s accomplished while in the silver and black, Bruce’s jersey deserves a spot among the AT&T Center rafters.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by 21_Blessings

:rollin Kobe shat on Bowen that entire series. Haha, yeah it was Bowen that "held" Kobe to no free throws, not the refs. Good one.

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Go away, troll

Man - it's going to be wierd not hearing Bill Schoening say "his spot, his shot" anymore. :depressed

Bruce has always been one of my favorite players and he will be sorely missed. I hope Pop makes the young guys watch tape of Bruce over and over and over so they can see how real defense is played. :lol

:toast to Bruce Bowen.

:toast to Bruce Bowen. I'll never forget how you embodied the defense-first attitude, nor your contributions to the community. My favorite memory will probably continue to be the 2007 NBA Finals, where you could easily argue that Bruce deserved the MVP.

Oh, and you definitely retire #12. This season, please.

THANK YOU BRUCE BOWEN

You were fantastic in those 8 seasons in San Antonio. Playing hard every night, playing defense every night and also making a lot of clutch shots in the playoffs

I hope the Spurs retire his jersey next season

Thanks Bruuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuce!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!

:worthy::worthy::worthy::worthy:

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