Long Live The Defensive Specialist: Bruce Bowen Retires As The Quintessential Spur
by Tim C. on Sep 3, 2009 10:27 PM CDT
in Spurs News
36 comments
So, you've probably heard the news by now. Bruce Bowen is retiring. While I'm sure we're all glad Bruce didn't sign with another team to haunt our playoff dreams, now is the time to pay tribute to one of the most prototypical Spurs players ever.
The Man
When Bruce Bowen played college ball at Cal State Fullerton, nobody would have imagined him becoming a defensive specialist. Bruce's game at that time was mostly scoring, and he averaged an impressive 16.3 points/game in his senior year(he never averaged more than 8 in the NBA). He was a solid prospect, if raw, and entered the NBA draft in 1993.
Unfortunately for Bruce, he wasn't drafted, and was exiled to the basketball wilderness that was France at the time. He would spend four seasons bouncing back and forth between France, the CBA, and even a brief stint with the Miami Heat (he played 1 minute for the Heat during the 1996-97 season). In the CBA and France, he was once again a scorer, even becoming one of the most prolific scorers in the French league at the time.
Then, in the summer of 1997, he was signed, traded, waived, and then picked off waivers by various NBA franchises. The team he ended up with - the Celtics - gave him plenty of minutes off the bench in a supporting role. His playing time steadily decreased during the two seasons after his first with the Celts, and in his third NBA season, he was traded from Philadelphia to the same Miami team that gave him his first brief taste of NBA competition. In Miami, Bruce changed his number and re-fashioned himself as a defensive specialist. He spent one and a half seasons with the Heat, before the Spurs picked him up in free agency during the summer of 2001, leading some Spurs fans (this one included) scratching their heads. Little did we they know what kind of difference #12 would make for their favorite team.
And the rest, as they say, is history. History that we can all relive right now.
The Legend
HUGE thanks to CapHill for the content below.
Some Good Reading
How to Play Defense Like Bruce Bowen | eHow.com
A great way of describing Bruce's game - all heart [and mind]
Bowen adds offense to his smothering defense - NBA - Yahoo! Sports
A trip down memory lane to the 2005 NBA Finals, when Bruce was arguably at his peak.
The top 10 best defenders of the last decade - Ball Don't Lie - NBA - Yahoo! Sports
Kelly Dwyer shows Bruce some respect, but arguably not enough.
More Good Stuff From Bruce
brucebowen.com - Community Assist Award
Bruce liked to strengthen his Spurs credentials by helping out in the community, in many different capacities. Speaking of which...
Bruce Bowen Foundation Official Website
Bruce is as proud of his foundation as he is of anything he's accomplished in basketball. Helping underpriveliged kids seems to be a recurring theme with Spurs greats.
SPURS.com: Bruce Bowen Charity Golf Tournament
Bruce hosted a golf tournament benefiting Kids Sports Network a couple of years ago. Incidentally, Matt Bonner is hosting the same event this year.
Bruce's Bytes
Bruce still has a blog with the San Antonio Express-News. He may be ready to pursue a career in sports journalism, like Sean Elliot did for a while.
Personal anecdote: I once met Bruce on campus at UTSA, and he was just as nice and personable as his work with charities would indicate.
For Visual Learners:
Even more visual aids:
YouTube - Bruce Bowen hits a critical 3-pointer!
Bruce Bowen sank a 3-pointer with 36 seconds to play Wednesday night to put the Spurs ahead 84-81, their first lead since it was 11-10 six minutes into the game.
YouTube - Inside the Playoff Mind of Bruce Bowen
A look into the mind of one of the best defenders in the league.
YouTube - NBA Bruce Bowen Super Block To Paul Pierce comes in and swats his shot
Not in Bruce's house, PP!
YouTube - STSA w/ Bruce Bowen
Mike Taylor visits with Bruce Bowen at the opening of his wife's new salon and spa.
YouTube - Bruce Bowen on defense- Spurs tipoff luncheon
Bruce the defense minister during the Spurs tipoff luncheon 2006.
YouTube - Bruce Bowen dancing
Bruce Bowen showing off his moves at a Spurs game during a time out.
Bruce Bowen Fouls Back In | The Onion - America's Finest News Source
Bruce in H-E-B:
YouTube - H-E-B Commercial - Yoga
YouTube - H-E-B Commercial - Road Trippin' with the Spurs
YouTube - H-E-B Commercial - Truth Hunters
Bottom Line
After watching Bruce for 8 seasons, we all know now what the Spurs were hoping for when they signed him. Bruce became one of the most hated men in the NBA, because for years he made it nearly impossible for his man to get any breathing room, much less an open look at the basket. Of course, some of those guys he harassed were quick to cry like babies call him a dirty player, but Bruce "dirtiest player in the league" Bowen was consistently called for less fouls per 40 minutes than almost any of his NBA small forward counterparts. His reputation as a student of the game, and one of the hardest workers in the NBA, is one that is well deserved. What Bruce lacked in athletic ability, he made up for in his work ethic and basketball IQ.
Work ethic, dedication to community service, and basketball IQ: If Pop could design the ideal Spurs player with only 3 qualities, those would no doubt be at the top of the list. With that said, those are qualities that would also be very useful in an assistant coach, nudge-nudge(just saying). The benefits of having a guy like Bruce on the bench and at practices are obvious, but Bruce should only do it if he sincerely wants to.
Bruce Bowen will forever be remembered as a Spur. His contributions to 3 Spurs championships, combined with the embrace of Spurs philosophy on and off the court, should be more than enough to justify hanging #12 in the rafters at the AT&T Center. He will be missed.
Say it one last time, Spurs fans: BRUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUCE!!!!!
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Good luck, Bruce. I’m gonna miss you.
(And check out the hottie in the last picture. Woot!)
Straight from the No-Stat Zone to your computer!
Dunkin' Cheerleaders
by LatinD on Sep 3, 2009 10:55 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Maybe you could use your mad Photoshop skills to crop her out of it.
We specialize in misinformation around here. Facts and stats just get in the way.
by Wayne Vore (ATS) on Sep 3, 2009 10:58 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Im sure he means Duncan
"If an expert says it can't be done, get another expert"
- DBG
by LasEspuelas on Sep 3, 2009 11:04 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Ohhhhhhhh, THAT hottie. My bad. I’m sure you are right.
We specialize in misinformation around here. Facts and stats just get in the way.
by Wayne Vore (ATS) on Sep 3, 2009 11:10 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
C’’mon guys, this is Bruce’s thread. He’s the only hottie in that photo.
by silverandblack_davis on Sep 3, 2009 2:15 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Great write up, rik. We’ll miss you Bruce. Thanks for everything. Hoist #12!
"He's one of the best power forwards of all time. I take my hands off to him."
- Scottie Pippen, talking about Tim Duncan on ESPN
by dfjmed on Sep 3, 2009 11:13 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
i’m still new, so I don’t know what you guys nicknamed Bruce here at PtR
then he got traded when I joined… but not sure if i mentioned this… but I always had this nickname for him…
CLOAK for the tenacious man to man D
and DAGGER for the corner clutch 3’s
THANK YOU BRUCE!
PTR League: PACERS GM
by FreshmakerDTM on Sep 3, 2009 11:24 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
The Big Four is no more…
Damn it… Now I’m going to have to change my avatar.
Superman wears Manu Ginobili pajamas to bed. - CMoney
I don't like chatty. I don't do chatty. I like quiet. Quiet and mean. Those are my people. - Nurse Jackie
by bellasa on Sep 3, 2009 12:27 PM CDT via mobile reply actions 0 recs
Poll: Should bella change her avatar?
- Yes
-No – I vote no.
"He's one of the best power forwards of all time. I take my hands off to him."
- Scottie Pippen, talking about Tim Duncan on ESPN
by dfjmed on Sep 3, 2009 1:10 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
48MoH has a variety of posts dedicated to Bruce today. Everyone go check them out.
I’ve always loved a great defensive play over a great offensive play. Plus, much like Mr. Robinson, Bruce has always been a class act off the court too. I’m just glad I had the opportunity to watch him play.
My people call it "sarcasm." - Lauri
by CapHill on Sep 3, 2009 12:38 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Ahhh, I’m going to miss Bruce. I too hope he becomes an assistant for the Spurs. My g/f keeps bringing up Bruce whenever I talk about any of the new additions to the Spurs and keeps saying “yeah, but Bruce isn’t going to play for the Spurs this year”. One of the many reasons I love this woman!
by xman130 on Sep 3, 2009 12:47 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Goodbye Bruce, you along with Charley Rosen made me appreciate how important defense is in basketball, to think I could be a brainwashed highlight watching fool.
You were most hated around the NBA, and so most loved by Spurs fans. Hope you enjoy your time in NBA heaven, which where players go after they no longer play.
My tapeworm tells me what to do.
by Hipuks on Sep 3, 2009 1:10 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
NBA Heaven=ESPN? TNT?
"Yes, it's important that I have good numbers, and I'm well-respected as a player. But I think it's more important that I'm respected as a man." - Some Tall Guy Who Wore #50
by theonlyromeo on Sep 3, 2009 9:51 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
NBA Heaven = Valhalla, only without the HGH
From under the radar to hanging in the rafters - Big50
5 in 10
by jollyrogerwilco on Sep 4, 2009 1:46 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I always loved to watch Bruce play. The best moments were watching the games slow down every time he got out on the court…. or maybe it was watching him disassemble a 7’ German pure shooter seven years younger than him.
Regardless, I already miss him being on the roster.
Off-court note: Last year, I ran into Bruce (almost literally) at HEB. As others said, every bit of a class act as he appears to be in the media. I wish him the best of luck in his future endeavors and I pray he eventually joins Sean Elliot and Bill Land for game commentary.
"We suck on 'D. Both individually and team-wise, we suck. We're pretty consistent that way. I don't know if I have an answer to that. If I did, we wouldn't suck quite so bad." - Popovich
by Hirschof on Sep 3, 2009 1:33 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
From Manu
Manu’s facebook:
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!
"We suck on 'D. Both individually and team-wise, we suck. We're pretty consistent that way. I don't know if I have an answer to that. If I did, we wouldn't suck quite so bad." - Popovich
by Hirschof on Sep 3, 2009 1:46 PM CDT reply actions 1 recs
somewhere a couple of spurs permiter players sigh in relief……
"Rock and Roll angels bring that HardRock Hallelujah"
by Chilai on Sep 3, 2009 2:49 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I like that post!
"Yes, it's important that I have good numbers, and I'm well-respected as a player. But I think it's more important that I'm respected as a man." - Some Tall Guy Who Wore #50
by theonlyromeo on Sep 3, 2009 9:52 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
It would be a little easier for him to retire as the quintessential Spur *if he hadn’t been tossed to the side of the road at the end of the season.*
I just wish the Lakers could have taken him on, though it wold have required some major backtracking on Phil’s part. No doubt Bruce will be waiting in the wings as the playoffs approach.
by conejito_andarin on Sep 3, 2009 3:54 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
I wouldn’t mind having Bruce take M. Williams’ spot for a year. Who’s with me?
by Gino20 on Sep 3, 2009 11:47 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Me
"Yes, it's important that I have good numbers, and I'm well-respected as a player. But I think it's more important that I'm respected as a man." - Some Tall Guy Who Wore #50
by theonlyromeo on Sep 3, 2009 11:51 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I’m glad I saw Bruce’s last game and our only win against Dallas.
Wayne, correct me if I’m wrong, but Bruce totally had it going on that game.
Superman wears Manu Ginobili pajamas to bed. - CMoney
I don't like chatty. I don't do chatty. I like quiet. Quiet and mean. Those are my people. - Nurse Jackie
by bellasa on Sep 3, 2009 5:09 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
You are correct. It was vintage Bruce, and I loved every second of it. I’ll find the link to the recap later.
ACLs are like crutches. They’re only for the weaklings who can’t get along without them. -jollyrogerwilco
by Tim C. on Sep 3, 2009 5:54 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
err, ok I found it now.
http://www.poundingtherock.com/2009/4/21/846828/game-2-quick-cap-lost-and-found
ACLs are like crutches. They’re only for the weaklings who can’t get along without them. -jollyrogerwilco
by Tim C. on Sep 3, 2009 5:56 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Now that bill for “Head Examination” dated 4/28/2009 makes so much more sense.
From under the radar to hanging in the rafters - Big50
5 in 10
by jollyrogerwilco on Sep 4, 2009 1:50 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I always enjoyed watching Bruce play because he always kept working, no matter what the score was, he never let up. And for all those people who keep saying how “dirty” he plays when asked if they would want him on their team 98% of these people reply with ‘yes’. No way anyone else is wearing #12 on a Spurs team again. Raise it to the rafters
"I've got Tim (Duncan) and you don't. That's the difference." -Gregg Popovich
by bj1der on Sep 3, 2009 5:17 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
- was the man. Can’t tell y’all how much i’ll miss him. SO glad i got to see him play before he hung up the sneakers.
"You may all go to hell, and I will go to Texas." -Davy Crockett
"Give me an army of West Point graduates, and I'll win a battle. Give me a handful of Texas Aggies, and I'll win a war." -Gen. George S. Patton
by spursfan4ever on Sep 3, 2009 7:17 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Fare well Bruce
quite an unlikely NBA story, but arent we lucky everyone before SA gave up on him?
Okay, just so I understand it... in your wildest fantasy, you are in hell. And you are co-running a bed and breakfast with the devil.
by bren on Sep 3, 2009 8:29 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
I am POSITIVE that we wouldn’t have won that series against Detroit had Bruce not been playing for the Spurs.
"Yes, it's important that I have good numbers, and I'm well-respected as a player. But I think it's more important that I'm respected as a man." - Some Tall Guy Who Wore #50
by theonlyromeo on Sep 3, 2009 9:54 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Bruce is the shit. Period.
I'm comfortable winning -- Emmanuel Ginobili
by pollackj on Sep 3, 2009 11:13 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
ah shit.
retire number 12. it must be done.
free george hill!
by sleep research facility on Sep 3, 2009 11:35 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
I named my dog after Bowen...partly
BRUUUUUUCE!
That is my 10 month old boston terrier, Bruce. He isn’t only named Bruce because of Bowen but it was a major factor, especially since he is Spurs colors. I’ve been wanting to post a picture of him since Hipuks posted that picture of the dog sitting like this. This is the only way he has sat since he was a puppy. He isn’t as fat or old as the the other dog, but he could get there.
Other Awesome Bruces: Campbell, Willis, and Wayne, but Bowen takes the cake. Home games won’t be the same without hearing the crowd shout “BRUUUUUUCE!!!!”. I hope he comes to games, and they put him on the screens like Robinson just to rile us up.
PS. If Pop doesn’t want him on our roster, we should retire his jersey asap so its awkward if he tries to go to another contender mid-season.
by BlaseE on Sep 3, 2009 11:35 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
PS. If Pop doesn’t want him on our roster, we should retire his jersey asap so its awkward if he tries to go to another contender mid-season.
+1
by Gino20 on Sep 3, 2009 11:51 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
One of you photoshop geniuses should make a bruce wallpaper so we can pay tribute until the season starts.
I'm comfortable winning -- Emmanuel Ginobili
by pollackj on Sep 4, 2009 12:20 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
bruce is one of my all time favorite basketball players, athletes and people. i love the man and have felt a small slice of my being missing each day that he has not been on the roster.
was that dramatic enough? i do serioulsy love him though…..
by bones on Sep 4, 2009 8:39 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
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