Bruce Bowen Retires!

After 12 seasons in the NBA, after menacing the Kobe's, Lebron's and T-Mac's, Bruce Bowen finally hang up his jersey.

Bruce Bowen officially announced his retirement Friday, ending a defensive legacy that many stars would definitely appreciate. Bowen, who was key part of the 3 championships of Spurs, will be sorely missed by fans and even myself. Labeled as the dirtiest player to ever play the game, Bowen openly acknowledge that he only had one play wherein he purposely kicked a player, that player is Ray Allen during the 2006 season.

Nonetheless, his defense and his tenacity will be missed. His defense brings the best out of Kobe. His defense ignited Amare. His defense drew the ire of Nowitzki. And most of it, his defense won multiple titles for San Antonio. Playing with 3 gifted offensive players, Bowen knows his role when stepping on the court. But when push comes to a shove, Bowen steps up by knocking down big shots as evident to numerous back-breaking triples he made during clutch times of regular season and playoffs.

As a fan, I hate the guy but surely he will be sorely missed. Without a Bruce Bowen in the league, there will be no controversies. Playoffs will be dull without this guy. He's in the level of Raja Bell,Ruben Patterson, Eric Snow and Ron Artest, making waves in the playoffs with his defense. Here are some of his memorable "dirty" acts:

1.) Kicked Wally Sczerbiak during a March game, 2002.
2.) Undercut Vince Carter during the 2004 season, ending Carter's season.
3.) Kicks Ray Allen during a March game, 2006 in Seattle.
4.) Struck out his foot when Jamal Crawford was shooting a jumpshot during 2007 regular season.
5.) Kneed Steve Nash's groin during the 2007 playoffs.
6.) Forearmed Amare Stoudamire during a April game, 2008.
7.) Kicked Chris Paul during the 2008 playoffs.

From a fan standpoint, we love to see controversy and rifts and that's what this guy provides. He provides entertainment by frustrating other players and of course, drawing controversies. But for a player stand-point, his retirement is the best thing that happened in the course of the NBA.