Bruce Bowen

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Bruce Bowen
Position Small forward
Height 6 ft 7 in (2.01 m)
Weight 200 lb (91 kg)
Team San Antonio Spurs
Jersey #12
Born June 14, 1971 (1971-06-14) (age 36)
Merced, California
Nationality American
High school Edison
College Cal State Fullerton
Draft Undrafted
Pro career 1993–present
Former teams Le Havre (1993-94)
Evreux (1994-95)
Rockford Lightning (1995-96), (1997)
Besançon BCD (1996-97)
Miami Heat (1997)
Boston Celtics (1997–1999)
Philadelphia 76ers (1999–2000)
Miami Heat (2000–2001)

Bruce Bowen Jr. (born June 14, 1971 in Merced, California) is an American professional National Basketball Association (NBA) basketball player. The 6'7", 200 lb (91 kg). Bowen plays small forward for the San Antonio Spurs. He is an alumnus of Edison High School[1] and Cal State Fullerton and also a former member of the NBA Miami Heat, the Boston Celtics, the Philadelphia 76ers, the CBA Rockford Lightning and the French clubs Le Havre, Evreux and Besançon. Regarded as one of the best defenders in the NBA, Bowen has been elected eight times to the NBA All-Defensive First and Second Teams, and was a member of the Spurs teams that won the NBA championships in 2003, 2005 and 2007.[2] In private life, he is an ambassador for raising child obesity awareness.

Contents

[edit] Early years

Bruce Bowen Jr. was born as son of Bruce Bowen Sr. and Dietra Campbell. Bowen had a problematic childhood growing up in Merced, because his mother took drugs and even sold the family TV to feed her habit.[1][3] Bruce Jr. spent his days playing basketball and eventually became a star in the local West Fresno Edison High School squad.[3] After receiving a scholarship, Bowen played four seasons at Cal State Fullerton, appearing in 101 games, and averaged 11.4 points and 5.8 rebounds per game.[4] He averaged 16.3 points, 6.5 rebounds and 2.3 assists in 36.6 minutes in 27 games as a senior in 1992–93, paving the way for him to be named to the All-Big West Conference First Team. Bowen ranks 12th on the Titans’ all-time list in career points (1,155) and is seventh all-time in rebounds (559).[5]

[edit] Professional career

[edit] Early struggles (1993-1997)

Bowen made himself eligible for the 1993 NBA Draft, but went undrafted. Instead, he seemed to be destined to become a journeyman. Between 1993 and 1997, Bowen frequently changed teams, playing for the French teams of Le Havre in 1993–94 and Evreux the following season. In 1995–96 he played in the CBA with Rockford Lightning; he spent the next season back in France with Besançon, before returning to the Lightning in February 1997. Bowen made his NBA debut when he was signed to a ten-day contract by the Miami Heat the following month. His output consisted of 1 game, 1 minute and 1 block.[5][4]

[edit] Getting settled (1997-2001)

In the 1997-98 NBA season, Bowen reappeared in the NBA, being signed by the Boston Celtics. With the Celtics, Bowen slowly established himself in the NBA. In his first full year as an NBA player, he appeared in 61 games (nine of them as starter) with the Celtics, averaging 5.6 points, 2.9 rebounds and 1.43 steals in 21.4 minutes per game, shooting .409 from the field, .339 from three-point land and .623 from the free throw line.[4] The next year was a bit of a disappointment, as Bowen appeared in only 30 Celtics games, averaging 2.3 points and 1.7 rebounds in 16.5 minutes per game.[4]

In the 1999-2000 NBA season, Bowen signed with the Philadelphia 76ers, traded to the Chicago Bulls and immediately waived, being picked off waivers by the Miami Heat. In that season, he wore jersey #12 instead of #30 and appeared in 69 games, averaging 2.8 points and 1.4 rebounds in 12.7 minutes per game, and scored in double-figures six times.[4] In the following year, Bowen was retained by the Heat. In that year, he had his breakout season. For the first time in his career, he played in all 82 regular season games, averaged 7.6 points, 3.0 rebounds, 1.6 assists and 1.01 steals in 32.7 minutes per game and set new single season career-highs in games, points, rebounds, assists, blocks, minutes, field goals made and attempted, three-point goals made and attempted and free throws made and attempted.[4] Bowen logged more minutes (2,685 vs. 2,678), scored more points (623 vs. 606) and hit more threes (103 vs. 54) then he had in his first four seasons combined.[4] Especially, Bowen earned himself a reputation as a defensive stopper. For his strong perimeter defense, he was voted into the All-Defensive Second Team.[2]

[edit] San Antonio Spurs (2001-present)

In the 2001-02 NBA season, Bowen was signed by the San Antonio Spurs. He joined a championship-caliber team, led by veteran Hall-of-Fame center David Robinson, young superstar power forward Tim Duncan, and complemented by talented role players like Steve Smith, Malik Rose, Antonio Daniels and point guards Terry Porter and Tony Parker. Bowen established himself as a starter, beginning in 59 of his 59 regular-season games and in all 10 Spurs playoffs games, where they eventually succumbed to the Los Angeles Lakers in the 2002 NBA Playoffs. For his feats, Bowen earned himself his second All-Defensive Second Team nomination.[4]

In the next season, Bowen started in all 82 regular season games for the second time in his career and averaged 7.1 points, 2.9 rebounds and 1.4 assists in 31.3 minutes per game. Again, he was voted into the All-Defensive Second Team and was member of the Spurs team which won the 2003 NBA Finals. At age 31, the one-time journeyman Bowen had won his first championship ring as a starter.[4] In the following three seasons, Bowen established a reputation as the best perimeter defender in the NBA, earning three straight All-Defensive First Team elections and ending as runner-up in the NBA Defensive Player of the Year Award votings twice, losing to post defender Ben Wallace.[6][7]

Bowen was a member of the Spurs squad which was defeated 4–2 by the Los Angeles Lakers in the Western Conference Semi-Finals of the 2004 NBA Playoffs, but Bowen and the Spurs bounced back and won the NBA title in 2005. The Spurs could not win back-to-back titles however, and bowed out 4–3 in a grueling seven-game series against the Dallas Mavericks in the 2006 NBA Playoffs. As of 2007, Bowen remains a valuable role player on the Spurs, having started in every Spurs regular season and playoff game since he became a starter in 2001.[2] In that season, he finished as the runner-up behind Marcus Camby for the league's defensive player of the year award.[8] His defensive contributions also ensured that the Spurs won its fourth championship in the 2007 NBA Finals.[8]

[edit] International career

In 2006, Bowen had the offer to join the United States men's national basketball team, which participated in the 2006 FIBA World Championships in Japan. At age 35, Bowen was the oldest player who was invited by U.S. coach Mike Krzyzewski, stating the need for defensive role players like Bowen. However, Bowen received only little playing time, despite the injuries of fellow swingmen and guards Antawn Jamison, Carmelo Anthony and Dwyane Wade. Although he participated in several training sessions and training camps, Bowen was eventually cut from the team. He expressed his disappointment, and hopes to make the 2008 Olympics squad.[9]

[edit] Player profile

Bowen (no. 12) contesting a layup in a game against the Los Angeles Lakers.
Bowen (no. 12) contesting a layup in a game against the Los Angeles Lakers.

The 6'7", 200 lb (91 kg) Bowen plays the small forward position.[4] He has gained a reputation for being one of the best perimeter defenders in the NBA, earning himself eight consecutive nominations for the NBA All-Defensive First and Second Teams from 2001 to 2008.[2][10] From 2005 to 2007, he was second in voting for the NBA Defensive Player of the Year Award, beaten only by centers Ben Wallace (2005 and 2006)[6][7] and Marcus Camby (2007)[8] who are both post defenders.

Bowen is not known for his offensive production. He is seldom sought on offense, having never attempted more than 251 field goals in an entire 82-game regular season, and his career averages of 6.4 points, 2.8 rebounds and 1.3 assists per game, and .566 foul shooting are considered mediocre, never earning him nominations for NBA All-Star or All-NBA First or Second Teams.[2] His foul shooting, in fact, is poor enough that he has at times been made the target of the so-called "Bruise-a-Bruce" defense. However, opposing teams cannot leave Bowen wide open on offense, because he is also a remarkably accurate three-point shooter (.388 career average on 1,700+ attempts).[2] In addition, despite his age Bowen has played 495 consecutive games between 28 February 2002 and 4 March 2008, leading Sports Illustrated to name him in 2007 the "Iron Man" of the NBA.[11]

Responding to fan e-mail in 2005, Bowen stated that his secret for success is a mixture of hard work and perseverance, saying defense is "a little bit of talent and a lot of work; being able to take on the challenge of going up against the top guys, even when you didn't win that battle. Being able to come back the next day and try again — I think that's the most important thing." He also stressed that the key to being a good basketball player is to "work hard and make sure you have fun with the game more than anything else. I think in anything you want to do, you can succeed at it. At least you can say you gave it your best effort if you don't." Bowen mentioned that he considers Denver Nuggets small forward Carmelo Anthony and former Seattle SuperSonics shooting guard Ray Allen (now with the Boston Celtics) to be among the most difficult players to guard.[12]

[edit] Allegations of "dirty play"

Over the years however, Bowen has gained a reputation for not only being tough and effective, but also citations by some of his peers and sports analysts as a "dirty" defender.[13] ESPN columnist Bill Simmons has characterized Bowen as "a cheap player who's going to seriously hurt someone some day", but concedes that he "ultimately makes his team better."[14] Inside Hoops columnist M.J. Darnell however says "[t]hey're (i.e. Bowen's victims) whining because Bruce Bowen has frustrated, upset, hurt or angered them in some way... he just plays tough, physical defense, does not play with any intent to injure, but isn't afraid to get in someone's grill".[15]

Bowen has been disciplined by the league including a $10,000 fine doled out by the NBA for an incident in which he kicked Ray Allen in the back after both had fallen down in a game.[16] He has also been accused by Vince Carter and Steve Francis of encroaching into their landing space during their jumpshot,[13] and in the 2007 NBA Playoffs, Phoenix Suns guard Steve Nash hit the floor from a knee to the groin from Bowen.[citation needed] Also in that series, forward-center Amare Stoudemire accused Bowen of kicking him during a game, but after a review by the NBA, this claim was dismissed.[17]

[edit] Other documented fouls

  • Following a flagrant foul, a kick to the face, committed against Wally Szczerbiak in a March 1, 2002 game, Bowen was fined $7,500.[18]
  • Following a flagrant foul, kicking a player on the floor, committed against Chris Paul in a March 13, 2008 game, Bowen was fined $37,000 and suspended for one game.[19]

[edit] Personal life

Bowen is the son of Bruce Bowen Sr. and Dietra Campbell. He remembers having a problematic childhood, plagued by his father's drug addiction. Today, Bowen has cut many relationships to his parents and several relatives, instead looking up to his childhood friend Quinn Crozier and a Los Angeles couple whom he regards as his adoptive parents.[3] Bowen is married to Yardley Barbon, and the couple has two sons, Ojani (born September 7, 2005) and Ozmel (born June 9, 2007).[4] When not standing on the hardwood, he often speaks out against child obesity, and runs his own "GET FIT with Bruce and Buddy" program for healthy nutrition and daily sports acitivies for children. He is also a fan of the Dallas Cowboys and the University of Texas Longhorns football team. He runs the Bruce Bowen Foundation, an organization set-up to provide scholarships, tuitions and to help those less fortunate. In addition, he is working on his college degree in communications from Cal State Fullerton (by taking classes at nearby University of Texas at San Antonio), and wants to become a teacher after his NBA career.[4]

[edit] NBA career statistics

Correct as of 14 March 2008[20]
Regular season Team GP MPG SPG BPG RPG APG PPG FG% 3P% FT%
1996–97 Miami 1 1.0 0.0 1.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.000 0.000 0.000
1997–98 Boston 61 21.4 1.4 0.5 2.9 1.3 5.6 0.409 0.339 0.623
1998–99 Boston 30 16.5 0.7 0.3 1.7 0.9 2.3 0.280 0.269 0.458
1999–2000 Philadelphia 42 7.4 0.2 0.1 0.9 0.4 1.4 0.356 0.500 0.500
1999–2000 Miami 27 21.0 0.5 0.4 2.2 0.7 5.1 0.380 0.464 0.613
2000–01 Miami 82 32.7 1.0 0.6 3.0 1.6 7.6 0.363 0.336 0.609
2001–02 San Antonio 59 28.8 1.0 0.4 2.7 1.5 7.0 0.389 0.378 0.479
2002–03 San Antonio 82 31.3 0.8 0.5 2.9 1.4 7.1 0.466 0.441 0.404
2003–04 San Antonio 82 32.0 1.0 0.4 3.1 1.4 6.9 0.420 0.363 0.579
2004–05 San Antonio 82 32.0 0.7 0.5 3.5 1.5 8.2 0.420 0.403 0.634
2005–06 San Antonio 82 33.6 1.0 0.4 3.9 1.5 7.5 0.433 0.424 0.607
2006–07 San Antonio 82 30.0 0.8 0.3 2.7 1.4 6.2 0.405 0.384 0.589
2007–08 San Antonio 64 30.3 0.7 0.3 2.7 1.2 5.8 0.404 0.420 0.672
Career 776 28.4 0.9 0.4 2.9 1.3 6.4 0.408 0.390 0.576
Playoffs Team GP MPG SPG BPG RPG APG PPG FG% 3P% FT%
1999–2000 Miami 10 15.7 0.7 0.4 1.0 0.8 3.5 0.370 0.227 0.625
2000–01 Miami 3 19.3 0.7 0.7 0.7 0.7 4.0 0.313 0.250 0.000
2001–02 San Antonio 10 34.5 1.1 0.7 3.3 1.4 6.8 0.410 0.440 0.500
2002–03 San Antonio 24 31.3 0.8 0.7 2.9 1.6 6.9 0.372 0.438 0.548
2003–04 San Antonio 10 29.8 0.4 0.3 2.9 1.0 6.0 0.365 0.379 0.231
2004–05 San Antonio 23 35.4 0.5 0.6 2.9 1.6 5.7 0.359 0.433 0.647
2005–06 San Antonio 13 34.0 0.8 0.6 2.2 1.2 6.2 0.525 0.500 0.500
2006–07 San Antonio 20 34.4 1.4 0.2 4.1 1.3 6.5 0.395 0.446 0.500
2007–08 San Antonio
Career 113 31.4 0.8 0.5 2.8 1.3 6.0 0.390 0.421 0.527

[edit] Notes

  1. ^ a b Wise, Mike (2007-06-14). Bowen Has Every Right and Reason to Be Defensive. washingtonpost.com. Retrieved on 2008-03-09.
  2. ^ a b c d e f Bruce Bowen Statistics. basketball-reference.com (2007-04-11). Retrieved on 2008-03-09.
  3. ^ a b c Weise, Mike (2007-04-11). For Bowen, this is the easy part. findarticles.com. Retrieved on 2008-03-09.
  4. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l Bruce Bowen Info Page. nba.com (2007-04-11). Retrieved on 2008-03-09.
  5. ^ a b USA Basketball: Bio of Bruce Bowen. usabasketball.com (2007-04-11). Retrieved on 2008-03-09.
  6. ^ a b Awards Voting for 2004-05. basketball-reference.com (2007-04-11). Retrieved on 2008-03-09.
  7. ^ a b Awards Voting for 2005-06. basketball-reference.com (2007-04-11). Retrieved on 2008-03-09.
  8. ^ a b c Camby second Nugget to win top defensive award. sports.espn.go.com (2007-04-27). Retrieved on 2008-03-09.
  9. ^ Ludden, Johnny (2007-04-11). Bowen disappointed at missing U.S. cut. mysanantonio.com. Retrieved on 2008-03-09.
  10. ^ Kobe, Garnett Headline All-Defensive Team, nba.com, 12 May 2008, accessed 13 May 2008.
  11. ^ NBA's Most Underpaid Players. sportsillustrated.cnn.com (2007-04-11). Retrieved on 2008-03-09.
  12. ^ Spurs Mailbox: Bruce Bowen. nba.com. Retrieved on 2008-03-09.
  13. ^ a b Burns, Marty (2007-04-11). Is Bruce Bowen a Dirty Player?. Retrieved on 2008-03-09.
  14. ^ Simmons, Bill (2007-05-21). Thinking about the NBA playoffs while web surfing. espn.com. Retrieved on 2008-03-09.
  15. ^ Darnell, M.J. (2004-04-13). Throwin' 'Bows. insidehoops.com. Retrieved on 2008-03-09.
  16. ^ Stoudemire calls Bowen, Ginobili ‘dirty’ players. msnbc.msn.com (2007-05-10). Retrieved on 2008-03-09.
  17. ^ Stoudemire says Bowen tried to injure him in Game 2. sports.espn.go.com (2007-05-11). Retrieved on 2008-03-09.
  18. ^ Bowen's foul reclassified as flagrant by league. espn.go.com (2002-03-03). Retrieved on 2008-03-09.
  19. ^ Bruce Bowen suspended for kicking Chris Paul, consecutive games streak ends at 500. espn.go.com (2008-03-14). Retrieved on 2008-05-16.
  20. ^ Bruce Bowen Career Stats Page. nba.com. Retrieved on 2008-03-09.

[edit] External links

v • d • e
San Antonio Spurs current roster

1 Johnson | 3 Stoudamire | 4 Finley | 5 Udoka | 7 Oberto | 9 Parker | 11 Vaughn | 12 Bowen | 15 Bonner | 17 Barry | 20 Ginóbili | 21 Duncan | 25 Horry | 28 Mahinmi | 40 Thomas | Coach Popovich
v • d • e
San Antonio Spurs 2002-03 NBA Champions

3 Jackson | 8 Smith | 9 Parker | 10 Claxton | 12 Bowen | 20 Ginóbili | 21 Duncan (Finals MVP) | 25 Kerr | 31 Rose | 35 Ferry | 42 Willis | 50 Robinson | Coach Popovich
v • d • e
San Antonio Spurs 2004-05 NBA Champions

2 Mohammed | 3 Robinson | 5 Horry | 8 Nesterovic | 9 Parker | 12 Bowen | 14 Udrih | 17 Barry | 20 Ginobili | 21 Duncan (Finals MVP) | 23 Brown | 34 Massenburg | Coach Popovich
v • d • e
San Antonio Spurs 2006-07 NBA Champions

2 Ely | 4 Finley | 5 Horry | 7 Oberto | 9 Parker (Finals MVP) | 11 Vaughn | 12 Bowen | 14 Udrih | 15 Bonner | 16 Elson | 17 Barry | 3 White | 20 Ginóbili | 21 Duncan | Coach Popovich