Saturday, August 29, 2009

Bruce Bowen will remain a SPUR... at heart...

Getting to the NBA is not easy, sticking to an NBA team proved to be even harder. But with hard work, faith, dedication and perseverance you might be able to pull it through. Ask Bruce Bowen, after all his journey to the NBA never came easy, he was not drafted and bounced around the league in the early part of his career. But that is up until he played with the San Antonio Spurs.

In San Antonio, Bowen found his niche and has done his best playing great defense. He would have the unenviable tasks of guarding the likes of Allen, Carter, McGrady, Bryant and James among others. Other players even labeled him as a "dirty" player, Phil Jackson even called him Edward "scissor hands" at some point. But you know what? I don't buy that, for me Bowen is just a hard worker that has mastered defensive anticipations which makes him so effective.

He was a key player in Spurs' title run in '03, '05 and '07. An amazing feat for a guy that was "unwanted" in the league early on. With success he remains humble and when asked what advice he can give for aspiring young players this is what he said "Follow your heart. It’s different strokes for different folks. What worked for me, may not work for you. You have to find your own path when it comes to things of this nature"

Clearly he found his path, he found his home with the Spurs. But eventually things have changed. An early exit of last years playoffs, forced the Spurs to go in a different direction trading Bowen, Oberto and Thomas to the Bucks for Richard Jefferson.

After the trade, Bowen was asked if he is willing to re-sign with the Spurs if that possibility arises. He answered 'Yes' without hesitating. He was even able to bid goodbye with class. Later on he was waived and is now a Free Agent some Spurs fans (including me) thought of the possibility of bringing him back. But then again Coach Pop would say this "I’ve given him no such indication, He might come back with the right team in the right situation, but it’s probably not going to be San Antonio."

I bet Bowen was hurt deep down, probably even harder compared to the time when he was traded, but we never heard a word from him, no complaints. He might not be the same player he was before, but I still find it hard seeing him playing for another team. For me, he is a Spur by heart and mind. I think he knows this too, so if he ends up hanging his Jersey #12 before the season starts it wouldn't surprise me, but he will certainly be missed (heck even the guys he used to guard might miss him, ask Kobe).

And if he chooses to play? no matter how remote or unpopular (or popular depends on whom you asked) this may seem, I hope it would be for the Spurs. He knows he can't play with the same passion and love for any other team, if only he will follow his heart... So are his playing days over? I can't tell. But when that time comes, I hope the Spurs will give the honor he righfully deserves. I'm wishing him all the best and if he pursues a future endeavor, a trainer or coaching job maybe? I hope it would be with the Spurs...



10 comments:

Jason said...

I'm a Spurs fan, and I love Bowen, but at this point? I'd rather not have him play, and actually last season he hardly played for the Spurs.

Unknown said...

I know your sentiment, all I'm saying is he'd probably retire this upcoming season and if chooses to play, i'd rather have him in the Spurs roster than another contender, I love the guy cause he embodies the Spurs spirit... Seeing him play for another team is something I can't think of. But that just me, and you do have a point. cheers!

Bentley said...

I generally hate seeing our former players play for other teams, but seeing Bruce playing for another contender, or anyone else period, would be hard for me to get used to. He contributed so much to this franchise in this last decade and was a vital part of the 03, 05, and 07 championship teams

Unknown said...

Same here Bentley, and I hope Bruce will retire as a Spur... By the way thanks for frequently checking on this site. I'll do my best to keep posting... On a side note , Are you the same Bentley (reader from
48 Minutes Of Hell?) just asking though... Cheers!

Bentley said...

haha, yes this is the same Bentley

Unknown said...

Thanks for your support Bro!If you have some suggestions on future articles feel free to ask. This blogsite is so new I just started it more than a week ago...

Dan said...

Good luck Bruce! We will miss you!

Unknown said...

Guys! here are some more articles about our beloved Bruce... http://www.48minutesofhell.com/2009/09/03/bowen-bullets check it out!

Anonymous said...

Bruce Bowen will be missed a whole lot! Great guy, great D.

Unknown said...

Anonymous, thanks for your comment and like you I'm gonna miss Bruuuuccccceeee....