Bruce Bowen-- Rafters or Not?

[stéphane]

He was the best defensive player on a dynasty team that was defined by defense. There is no question that his jersey belongs in the rafters.

I've held my tongue on this all season. But look at the games the team has lost this season, and look at how often the winning team had two people go off for big numbers. We could have survived one guy going off, but not two.

The one thing that is missing from this Spurs team is the ability to send Bruce Bowen onto the floor to shut down one player on the other team. I really believe that if we had a younger Bruce Bowen on this team, we could have given the Lakers a run for best record in the West.

Bruce didn't win a lot of games, exactly. But he kept the other teams from beating us. Retiring a jersey doesn't imply Hall of Fame play. Bruce was the defensive anchor on those championship teams, as well as a couple that almost were. Hang the jersey... soon.

Very well written.

No doubt for me. Bruce is way more than a role player.
Defense wins Championships.

[Bukefal]

yeah, he certainly deserves it!

[whottt]

No brainer.

Bruce won't be in the HOF but he is a HOF defensive player. 8 All NBA D, 6 time first team. That is rare territory for a perimeter player in terms of defensive recognition...probably all the guys with that many all NBA D teams outside of Michael Cooper, are in the HOF, or will be.

He was definitely key for that 2003 le and IMO, he was the true Finals MVP of the 2007 team.

[21_Blessings]

Without Bowen, Kobe has one more ring and probably Nash too. His number being raised to the rafters is obvious.

Haha, what? Bowen was hardly the difference in 2003 when Horry was pulling a Rasheed and shooting 2-38 from behind the arc.

[stéphane]

He was definitely key for that 2003 le and IMO, he was the true Finals MVP of the 2007 team.

Had to highlight this one for the guys that consider you the ultimate Parker lover.

[ElNono]

Yes

[mudyez]

of course #12 should be up there

aj's shouldnt though

[bus driver]

#6-yes
#12-yes
#20-no







YES to ALL 3!

[Ed Helicopter Jones]

Haha, what? Bowen was hardly the difference in 2003 when Horry was pulling a Rasheed and shooting 2-38 from behind the arc.

Horry wouldn't have been been forced to launch all those shots if Kobe was getting his.

[baseline bum]

Haha, what? Bowen was hardly the difference in 2003 when Horry was pulling a Rasheed and shooting 2-38 from behind the arc.

I'd say there's a pretty major difference between letting Kobe run amok in 2001 without Bowen and Bowen holding him to 43% shooting and half the assists in 03. But you wouldn't because you're an idiot.

[poop]

Bowen CERTAINLY should be in the rafters!

especially if freakin avery johnson is up there.....

[MarCowMar]

Bowen's number will probalby be retired during a slow ticket sales month so they can get fans out when they otherwise might not have.

[TampaDude]

If AJ is up there, then yeah, Bowen should be, too.

[JR3]

Because AJ got hung, Bruce is a lock... I think the question should be: If AJ's # wasn't retired, would we consider retiring Bruces #?

[CubanSucks]

Because AJ got hung, Bruce is a lock... I think the question should be: If AJ's # wasn't retired, would we consider retiring Bruces #?

This is what's starting to piss me off. all this AJ hate. Can't we just look at each players career individually and how much they've meant for the team? But anyways, short answer to your post is still a definate yes

[Dverde]

[tonight...you]

I'd put that # back up. Right now.

[SouthTexasRancher]

Bruce Bowen's #12 jersey was retired on March 21, 2012.

However, Bruce allowed it to be temporarily removed so LMA could wear #12. It will be reinstated when LMA retires or goes to another team.

And yes, Bruce's jersey # deserves to be on the list with all the greats. Ice never played a lick of 'D' but, you'd be hanged in the town's square if you didn't include him. Bruce was almost as bad at offense as Danny Green, but, like Danny, Bruce played lock down defense on the other team's best back court and/or wing player/scorer. And yes AJ's number retired jersey should remain up there. He and Mario Elle drove the 1999 team to its championship. AJ had no problem getting in Tim, David and Sean's face. Plus he hit that 12'-15' shot from the side to seal the deal in 1999.

[fusionjazzman72]

An ego maniac wears Bruce’s number now

[Ed Helicopter Jones]

Spurs need to find Bruce a replacement gig. Another casualty of uncle Dennis.

[dbestpro]

Yes. If Avery is there, Bruce should be there. It would be a reminder to the commitment to defense.

[Dverde]

Spurs need to find Bruce a replacement gig. Another casualty of uncle Dennis.

Maybe he can manage the Whataburger inside the stadium

[DJR210]

Bruce > Bonner

Open Bonner a sandwich cart at the AT&T center.