McDonald: Spurs' Bogans a master of the art of irritation

[MaNu4Tres]

IIRC, the Spurs were actually the best defensive team that year by the numbers; not that it meant all that much with a worn down Duncan by the time the playoffs rolled around.

Besides, Kobe deserves plenty of the credit for what transpired during that Finals. By the time they met Detroit, the Lakers were a s of the team they were earlier in the playoffs. The Malone injury combined with the dysfunction that was Kobe Bryant, was just as much a factor as anything the Pistons did..

By a hair if that...

Way to nitpick at a post.

Pistons held teams to 41 percent shooting actually .413 if you don't round up during the regular season that year and held teams to 84.4 points per game. Spurs held teams to 41 percent shooting, actually .409 percent if you don't round up and 84.3 points per game.

Big freaking Whooop. My point was Tayshawn wasn't the sole reason Kobe was contained.

In the playoffs Detroit was the best team defensively.

Now go argue in the NBA forum that Tony Parker is better than Chris Paul because he averaged .01 points more than him.

[poop]

It's befuddling. How did all these posters not know about Keith Bogans defense? It's an epic question that demands answering.

Keith Bogans is a name that's been bandied about regularily throughout a career that stretched between the magic 3x, hornets 2x, rockets, bucks, and finally spurs. His defense has inspired books, magazine articles, and interviews with former legends of the game. How all these teams that Bogan's played for previously and posters at spurs forum were unaware of Bogan's amazing defensive prowess is a statistical anomaly that will probably never happen again.

It's obviously one of the biggest coups in nba history that the spurs were able to land Bogans for the vet minimum this year, given the overwhelming exposure Bogan's has attained.

hahaha. good job

[SequSpur]

Bogans > Bowen.... sorry....

Bogans can play both sides and he can block shots... Bowen could never do that...

[Tbiggums47]

http://www.mysanantonio.com/sports/s...rritation.html

By Jeff McDonald - Express-News It is a general truism that every NBA player possesses at least one NBA skill. It didn't take long for Keith Bogans to discover his.

He's built a career on his uncanny ability to be the most annoying guy in the room.

“I want to annoy guys,” said Bogans, the Spurs' latest starter at shooting guard. “I want guys to know when I'm guarding them, it's going to be a tough night. I don't want anybody to think it's going to be a walk in the park. See me, and put a smile on your face? No, that's not me.”

An afterthought for much of the preseason, Bogans has emerged as perhaps the biggest early-season surprise for the Spurs. His defensive prowess earned him a spot in the starting lineup three games ago, and he has done little to relinquish it.

In the Spurs' shorthanded 92-83 victory over Dallas on Wednesday, the 6-foot-5 Bogans was instrumental in helping to hold the Mavericks' four best perimeter scorers — Jason Terry, Josh Howard, Jason Kidd and J.J. Barea — to a combined 12 of 39 shooting. The 13 points Bogans scored himself were mere icing.

“That's what Keith Bogans does,” coach Gregg Popovich said. “He knows his role. He takes pride in it.”

It was a breakout game for a player who was still looking for a job just two months ago.

After finishing last season in Milwaukee, Bogans, 29, entered free agency against the backdrop of an uncertain economy. With revenue down, teams were holding their purse strings tight. More than half planned to keep less than a full roster to defray costs.

It left players like Bogans — an established, six-year NBA veteran — scrambling to find work. It was Sept. 21, barely a week before the start of training camp, before Bogans signed with the Spurs.

“We stayed persistent, and they stayed persistent,” said Bogans, who will make the veteran's minimum of $1.03 million this season. “It only takes one team to like you. I like the team that liked me.”

The Spurs first emerged on Bogans' radar on June 23, when they struck a deal with his old team, the Bucks, for Richard Jefferson. Included in the Spurs' package for Jefferson was Bruce Bowen, an annual fixture on the NBA's all-defensive team.

Bowen's departure left a void Bogans longed to fill.

“Once I saw Bruce leave, I thought it was a perfect opportunity for me,” said Bogans, who has also played for Orlando, Charlotte and Houston. “I do basically the same thing he did. I'm not as good of a defender yet, but I'm trying.”

Rescued from the NBA's unemployment line, Bogans was somewhat of a forgotten man in camp. He logged a total of 25 minutes in the first five games of the regular season, sitting out a loss at Chicago entirely.

On Nov. 6 in Portland, Bogans' role changed. Hoping to beef up the Spurs' defense, Popovich inserted him into the starting lineup. He's been in it ever since.

Spurs forward Antonio McDyess, a former Detroit Piston, was familiar with Bogans' work in the Eastern Conference. When he began to see Bogans on an everyday basis, McDyess began to appreciate Bogans' art of irritation.

“That dude is a monster,” McDyess said. “I knew he was a good defensive player, but I didn't know he was that good.”

McDyess likens Bogans to former Detroit teammate Lindsey Hunter, another player who built his reputation as a tenacious defender. Well-versed in Hunter's body of work, Bogans considers the comparison the ultimate compliment.

“Lindsey was a bulldog, one of those guys who would get into guys and annoy them,” Bogans said. “That's my job, too. I take pride in playing defense. When a guy scores on me, I get mad.”

More often than not, the guy Bogans is guarding is the one feeling frustrated these days. That is life as the most annoying man in the room.

I'm not surprised...I just was not sure if he still had the fire! He still has it!

[benefactor]

Last one....

[Mel_13]

Last one....

Doing the dirty work.

Bogans and benefactor

[Blackjack]

By a hair if that...

Way to nitpick at a post.

Pistons held teams to 41 percent shooting actually .413 if you don't round up during the regular season that year and held teams to 84.4 points per game. Spurs held teams to 41 percent shooting, actually .409 percent if you don't round up and 84.3 points per game.

Big freaking Whooop. My point was Tayshawn wasn't the sole reason Kobe was contained.

In the playoffs Detroit was the best team defensively.

Now go argue in the NBA forum that Tony Parker is better than Chris Paul because he averaged .01 points more than him.

Is it possible for me to make a comment on anything you have to say without you getting defensive?

There was no intention to punk you or make you look like an idiot. I read your post and thought I remembered the Spurs being the best defensive team that year; there was nothing more to it. I even made sure to say that it didn't even really matter in the end.

The Spurs' defensive anchor was worn down and not up to par and the Pistons, with the mid-season addition of 'Sheed, probably were the best overall defensive team outside the numbers.

I just happen to believe they, like the Heat in '06, due to key injuries, avoided the two best teams in the Western Conference; they at least got the one team of the top 3 they could beat..

[MaNu4Tres]

It doesn't matter.

Nobody can stop Kobe.
Not Bowen, Not Tayshaun, Not Bogans.

It's team defense and making Kobe work for his points.

Having a great perimeter defender only helps so much. You have to have four other disciplined players who are aware of their assignments and aware of each situation being played out each possesion.

[SenorSpur]

I, for one, personally thought that, based upon Bowen's fine showing in the Dallas series, he could have easily played another year. Bowen was easily the best wing player the Spurs had on the floor, at both ends, in most of those playoff games. I'm sure he felt that way too.

That said, I would've felt more comfortable having Bowen backing in Bogans, as opposed to Finley. There certainly wouldn't be the excessive defensive dropoff that we see now when Finley enters the game. The 3-pt shooting is about even.

[MaNu4Tres]

I, for one, personally thought that, based upon Bowen's fine showing in the Dallas series, he could have easily played another year. Bowen was easily the best wing player the Spurs had on the floor, at both ends, in most of those playoff games. I'm sure he felt that way too.

That said, I would've felt more comfortable having Bowen backing in Bogans, as opposed to Finley. There certainly wouldn't be the excessive defensive dropoff that we see now when Finley enters the game. The 3-pt shooting is about even.

If Bowen was going to come back it would have been for a major role on the team like before. He was not going to go through what he went through last year( He hated it) .

Spurs FO were interested in bringing him back but for a limited role because of the addition of RJ.

Bowen did not want to come back if that was the case and fade away into retirement the way Horry did. Bowen wanted more. That being said Bowen decided retirement was the best thing for him and his family.

[Blackjack]

It doesn't matter.

Nobody can stop Kobe.
Not Bowen, Not Tayshaun, Not Bogans.

It's team defense and making Kobe work for his points.

Having a great perimeter defender only helps so much. You have to have four other disciplined players who are aware of their assignments and aware of each situation being played out each possesion.

I agree; my response to your post wasn't even really on the topic of a 'stopper', but more a random comment on the perception of the way the Detroit-Lakers series played out.

I, for one, personally thought that, based upon Bowen's fine showing in the Dallas series, he could have easily played another year. Bowen was easily the best wing player the Spurs had on the floor, at both ends, in most of those playoff games. I'm sure he felt that way too.

I agree with you about him still having the ability to contribute considerably. He may have lost a step, but he was still, when given minutes, one of the best defensive-wings in the league; I also tend to agree with MaNu4Tres.

The nature of a stopper is one of needing minutes. Coming in cold, especially at an advanced age, and when the player's already gained a rhythm, just isn't all that conducive to a stopper; there's exceptions to the rule for a stretch here or there, but it's not something that bears fruit long-term.

I'm sure Bruce knew he could still help the team out. But I also know he's a proud man that wanted to go out on his terms while he still felt he had something left; I'm not sure if he could take the DNP-CD's or mop-up minutes given the compe or he is.

If Bowen was going to come back it would have been for a major role on the team like before. He was not going to go through what he went through last year( He hated it) .

Spurs FO were interested in bringing him back but for a limited role because of the addition of RJ.

Bowen did not want to come back if that was the case and fade away into retirement the way Horry did. Bowen wanted more. That being said Bowen decided retirement was the best thing for him and his family.

That's the impression I've gathered, but is this something you've heard or been told?

[MaNu4Tres]

but is this something you've been told?

Si.

[Mel_13]

Si.

I remember listening to a radio interview Bruce gave with one of the ESPN national guys during the conference finals. After they got his take on the ongoing series, they asked him about his future.

The interviewer asked how much longer he planned to play basketball.

Bruce answered, "As long as they'll have me".

I didn't take that to mean "as long as they'll cut checks". It fits with everything we know about Bruce that he turned down a limited role with the Spurs and, perhaps, with the Celts and Cavs.

[Blackjack]

Si.

Grassy-ass.

[SenorSpur]

I remember listening to a radio interview Bruce gave with one of the ESPN national guys during the conference finals. After they got his take on the ongoing series, they asked him about his future.

The interviewer asked how much longer he planned to play basketball.

Bruce answered, "As long as they'll have me".

I didn't take that to mean "as long as they'll cut checks". It fits with everything we know about Bruce that he turned down a limited role with the Spurs and, perhaps, with the Celts and Cavs.

Outside of his defensive brilliance and 3-pt shooting, the other things I miss about Bruce is his professionalism and humor that sort of permeated the entire team.

That said, I'm thrilled that Bogans is on board to help pick up the slack.

I can't believe there were some that wanted to see this guy waived after preseason.

[Cant_Be_Faded]

thispego is right
most of ya'll dont know bout bball

"Bogans can play D! Omg omg omg omg"

[Blackjack]

Outside of his defensive brilliance and 3-pt shooting, the other things I miss about Bruce is his professionalism and humor that sort of permeated the team.

Not to get too cornball, though, I'm about to, but there's something to be said for those role-playing, glue-guys that make up the championship-soul of a team. It's hard to find those Horry's and Bowen's of the world and even harder to replace them.

A talent upgrade is great and all but being able to look into someones eyes in a tough situation and know they're not going to back down is something you can't overlook. Having guy's who understand the process of a long season and know how to roll with the punches and keep a good locker room are the type of guy's you miss.

Losing Horry, Beno, (I keed) Barry, and now Bowen is a hard thing to do when you're trying to maintain a championship-program. I actually think that's part of the reason Pop has such a high regard for Fin and feels the need to make sure he maintains a good role on the team; he doesn't want to lose him and the character/professionalism that he brings to the court and the locker room. He values his leadership and doesn't want to risk having him fade into the background as a non-contributor.

[Flux451]

Bogans would be irrelevant in guarding Kobe. Kobe doesnt play perimiter anymore, he likes to stay down low now and I would assume that he could get his shot off of a shorter defender pretty easy, such like a Bogans.

This is when I really miss Bowen. Bowen knew Kobe like no other defender. It sucks to think that Kobe is less mobile now than past years when Bruce would chase him like a fly around the court.

If Bowen were still playing I think he could still give Kobe problems given his length,familiarity, and less energy chasing him around like before.

Yeah, but stop living in past. Bogans has the strength to play in the post. We will see if he can stay out of foul trouble though. We already know Kobe will get his. Bogans is deceptively athletic also..a la the block last game. Who did he block by the way? I forgot

[Mel_13]

Yeah, but stop living in past. Bogans has the strength to play in the post. We will see if he can stay out of foul trouble though. We already know Kobe will get his. Bogans is deceptively athletic also..a la the block last game. Who did he block by the way? I forgot

Marion. See the video in post #9 in this thread.

[Flux451]

Anyone saw his nice block on marion??
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u1Tk5MKJbXg

skip to 2:30

Awesome highlights...screw nba.com

[Flux451]

Marion. See the video in post #9 in this thread.

sweet. tanks, mister

[SpursRulez4eVeR]

Awesome highlights...screw nba.com

Thanks

[SenorSpur]

Awesome highlights...screw nba.com

...and we thought that TD and Ratliff were the Spurs only rim-protectors.

[Mr.Robinson]

It's befuddling. How did all these posters not know about Keith Bogans defense? It's an epic question that demands answering.

Keith Bogans is a name that's been bandied about regularily throughout a career that stretched between the magic 3x, hornets 2x, rockets, bucks, and finally spurs. His defense has inspired books, magazine articles, and interviews with former legends of the game. How all these teams that Bogan's played for previously and posters at spurs forum were unaware of Bogan's amazing defensive prowess is a statistical anomaly that will probably never happen again.

It's obviously one of the biggest coups in nba history that the spurs were able to land Bogans for the vet minimum this year, given the overwhelming exposure Bogan's has attained.

LOL Good Stuff.