Good points and research.
I just have no clue what Pop is thinking. If Pop is looking at some stats that say the offense struggled with Bowen on the court, those stats are useless at this point because the Big Three are back. If one or two of the Big Three are missing, they yeah Bowen may be an offensive liability. But now back in his customary role where he shoots open three-pointers, he should be fine. And with the way he has shot this year and every year in the playoffs, I trust him with an open three more than I trust anyone on the team.
Defensively, I'm not even ready to concede 100% that he has lost a step. We haven't gotten a chance to see him get enough consistent playing time to make a fair judgment. Considering his age, he's probably lost a step. But that is more hypothetical than fact at this point.
It's just amazing that 36-year-old Michael Finley who has never been a big part of a winning team and is currently a soft, inconsistent, no-defense-playing choker has been elevated into the Big Four and 37-year-old Bruce Bowen who is still hands down the best perimeter defender on the team, the most fearless player on the team, historically the best and most consistent clutch shooter on the team and who has played his best basketball on the biggest stages is unceremoniously being forced into retirement right before our eyes.
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