Bruce Bowen Or Shane Battier?

[$LakerGold]

Oh this is hard...

Shane Battier - I hated him when he was still with the Rockets. I hated him because of his 3's. I hated him because he was a great defender. People tend to overrate him, though.

On the other hand - We got Bruce Bowen, hitting and trippin' people, but plays great defense. Hes a dirty player, but hes one dirty player to love:) I can remember him hitting that spot-up 3 from the corner.

They both have similar skill-sets. But I'm going with Bruce, I'm a huge fan of his defense.

Lakers Vs. Spurs :( I miss those days :(

[v1ncelis]

I will go with Bruce Bowen. He is NBA champion, can injure opposite team players and destroyed Lebron in 2007 finals.

[8BeastlyXOIAD]

Bruce Lee Bowen

[Bigsmoke]

Bruce Bowen

[Rnbizzle]

Battier. Dude plays some of the best D I've ever seen, so underrated.. Him and Tony Allen both are.

[$LakerGold]

Battier. Dude plays some of the best D I've ever seen, so underrated.. Him and Tony Allen both are.
Underrated? People sometimes even overrate him.

[jlip]

Bowen. He will defend you with great defensive skills and with "extralegal" tactics that also affect the player he's guarding pscychologically.

[SCdac]

Both great man-to-defenders. Both great competitors. Both guarded the best offensive players in the league.

Bruce Bowen surely does not embody "popularity" on this board, but none the less I'd go with him.

Bowen appeared/started in 500 straight games, and was incredibly reliable for a veteran. 8 times he was selected to All-Defensive team. He was the runner up for DPOY like 3 or 4 times behind Ben Wallace.

Despite not being great at creating his own offense, Bruce has 6 seasons of over .400 % shooting from beyond the arch. That's impressive. he lead the league one season (2003).

give me Bowen's pesky defense alongside a strong post defender and I think my teams winning-% goes up
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y147/adrumaddict/BowenonJordan.jpg

[nbacardDOTnet]

http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn200/nbacardDOTnet/zz%20NBA%20Photo%20Gallery/y%20NBA%20etc/1%20San%20Antonio%20Spurs/Bruce%20Bowen/-brucethumb.jpg

http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn200/nbacardDOTnet/zz%20NBA%20Photo%20Gallery/z%20Funny%20NBA%20Photos/Funny%20Situation/Kick/bowenkickgk9.gif


Underrated? People sometimes even Overrate him.....

this

[rmt]

Bowen - I like his versatility on defense - can guard multiple positions from SF to PG (Lebron to Nash/Billups [usually only in crunch time]). He had a wonderful attitude - his advice to kids was to find one thing you can do well and excel at it. He wasn't very talented - I cringed when he shot anything but a 3 but just relentless and such quick feet. He was a huuuuge, under-rated part of Spurs' championships.

Edit: I should have said PF too since he defended Dirk well, but then Josh Howard would go off.

[ThaSwagg3r]

Both are great defenders, the difference is that Bowen is dirty, annoying, and everybody hates him while Battier is respected and acknowledge as a great defender. I guess in some ways that makes Bowen better since he gets into player's heads even though Kobe has destroyed both of them and in the playoffs.

Battier played better defense when they took away the hand-check rule though. This is why it is an interesting debate. Battier entered his defensive prime when the hand-check was taken away while Bowen was in his prime when the no hand-check rule wasn't enforced.

[lefthook00]

Bowen is a better defender. Faster feet. Plus, he has the Sasha Vujacic factor AKA annoy the sh*t out of you pesky D.

[ihatetimthomas]

Bruce Bowen is one of the best defenders of this generation. Great hands, feet and lateral quickness. He had the ability to defend any type of player on the perimeter. I remember him shutting down Dirk on numerous occasions.

The fact that he could hit that jumper from the sides made him even more valuable. Dirty player at times, but overall, he is one of the best defenders. Great durability and very consistent.

[D.J.]

Bowen. He was so durable, reliable, and always played 110%. And he also shut down LeBron in the '07 Finals. Very few people on this planet could do that and Bowen did exactly that, and with little to no credit for it as well.

[dbugz]

Underrated? People sometimes even Overrate him.....


This. Battier defense is a bit overrated especially here on this board.


I'll take Bowen on this one.

[blablabla]

http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn200/nbacardDOTnet/zz%20NBA%20Photo%20Gallery/z%20Funny%20NBA%20Photos/Funny%20Situation/Kick/bowenkickgk9.gif





Bruce Bowen can defend you but you can't defend yourself from Bowen

[28renyoy]

I'm assuming this is a who would you rather have? Battier. His defense is a bit worse but his offense is much better plus he is bigger.

[Clippersfan86]

Battier for sure. Basically they have the same exact game at their peak except Battier is classier and has a higher bball IQ. People saying Battier was/is overrated can't be more wrong. Bowen got a lot more attention because he was on the Spurs and because of his dirty play but I'd actually argue Bowen was WAY overrated the last couple seasons of his career. I mean the guy pretty much made all defensive team until he retired despite having dropped off defensively a couple years before that.

Battier is a more well rounded scorer, better leader and a bigger forward as well.

[artificial]

Battier is a better all-around player, where as Bowen excels his trademark D and a very deadly 3-pt shot (and really sucked at ft's).

Battier would probably help more a bad to mediocre team. And Bowen would probably be much more appreciated than Battier in almost any good to great team. That's the way I would choose between them.

Disregarding team situations? Bowen, and just that's because I loved how he seemed to take pride in all the hate he got.

[Unstoppabull]

Battier. He's one of the better guys in the league, Bowen's a dirty little bitch.

[Flamboyant]

Both of them are great defenders, and both of them are recognized as great defenders (which trust me is not always the case). But of them got his recognition partly due to the success of his team, and his dirty style, while the other got it exclusively by his defensive display. I'll go with the latter one.

[imlmf]

hate bruce bowen as a professional basketball player, but i'm still going with him in this one, everyone's gotta want him on your team

[SevereUpInHere]

I hate Bowen with a fiery passion, but damn I would have loved to have had him on my team.

Having said that I'd love Battier on my team too. Give me Battier.

[$LakerGold]

lol the responses in this thread ARE hilarious. :roll:

I do agree that Battier is a better shooter than Bowen...

[wang4three]

Battier. Bowen fell into the perfect situation for himself. Battier would've been just successful there as he is successful on any team he's been on.

[Clippersfan86]

Battier. Bowen fell into the perfect situation for himself. Battier would've been just successful there as he is successful on any team he's been on.

Great point. I do honestly feel Bowen was a product of the system he was in... or it's at least what took him to the next level. Battier would be much easier to plug into other systems.

[noob cake]

They are both elite (and about equal) defenders. Battier has more leadership, size, BB IQ and shooting.

Bowen is only what he is due to Duncan. Battier never had a Duncan and his legacy as a great defender is hurt.

[Clippersfan86]

They are both elite (and about equal) defenders. Battier has more leadership, size, BB IQ and shooting.

Bowen is only what he is due to Duncan. Battier never had a Duncan and his legacy as a great defender is hurt.

:applause: Exactly.

[Odinn]

Better defender? It's Bowen.
Better overall player? It's Battier.

I'd rather which one? Give me Bowen.

[$LakerGold]

Better defender? It's Bowen.
Better overall player? It's Battier.

I'd rather which one? Give me Bowen.

People agreed that Battier was a better overall player, but they still ended up choosing Bowen.

[Eat Like A Bosh]

Bowen is dirty, sleazy and hated more. while Battier is more respected and acknowledge as a great defender. I guess in some ways that makes Bowen better since he gets into player's heads even though Kobe has destroyed both of them and in the playoffs.

Battier played better defense when they took away the hand-check rule though, he had a unique way for getting a hand their face instead of going for the block. He influenced many high school and college coaches to tell their players to do that.
I remember there was an article talking about Battier the no stats all star. Can't find it now, but it was a great read. Love to see that again

I prefer Battier though, just a personal preference.

[purplch0de]

Battier. Dude plays some of the best D I've ever seen, so underrated.. Him and Tony Allen both are.


:facepalm

[purplch0de]

Bowen is dirty, sleazy and hated more. while Battier is more respected and acknowledge as a great defender. I guess in some ways that makes Bowen better since he gets into player's heads even though Kobe has destroyed both of them and in the playoffs.

Battier played better defense when they took away the hand-check rule though, he had a unique way for getting a hand their face instead of going for the block. He influenced many high school and college coaches to tell their players to do that.
I remember there was an article talking about Battier the no stats all star. Can't find it now, but it was a great read. Love to see that again

I prefer Battier though, just a personal preference.

Unfair comparison considering bowen's age

[SayTownRy]

Bowen is only what he is due to Duncan.

you're selling him short with this statement.

[clayton]

Bowen is the first player in basketball to break people's ankle without being on the offensive end.:bowdown: :bowdown: :bowdown:

[$LakerGold]

Jeff posted this thread on his Insidehoops Twitter account .. thanks jeff :cheers:

http://twitter.com/#!/InsideHoops


Fun #NBA fan discussion: Bruce Bowen vs Shane Battier: http://bit.ly/q9WE3g

[Stuckey]

i'd rather have bowen cause he's a bit bigger or at least looks bigger

who on the rockets guarded melo? cant be battier right?

[Nero Tulip]

Bowen is a much better player. One of the best perimeter defenders I've ever seen, which caused some of the divas and their fans to hate him (How DARE you play defense on Kobe!).

He was such a reliable shooter as well, which makes his offensive impact much bigger than Battier's was. It's not like they were asked to be play makers.

But even on offense, Bowen had talent, he was just never asked to use it in the NBA. In the beginning of his career, he was mostly a scorer.

[ThaSwagg3r]

i'd rather have bowen cause he's a bit bigger or at least looks bigger
What? :oldlol:

Bowen was 6'7 and 185 lbs while Battier was 6'8 and 220 lbs. Are you sure you didn't get the names mixed up? :lol



But even on offense, Bowen had talent, he was just never asked to use it in the NBA. In the beginning of his career, he was mostly a scorer.
:oldlol: How good of a Ft shooter was he?

[StroShow4]

Bowen was allowed to get away with murder, whereas Battier has never gotten that kind of treatment. I'll take Shane Battier.

[ThaSwagg3r]

Bowen was allowed to get away with murder, whereas Battier has never gotten that kind of treatment. I'll take Shane Battier.
Pretty much, not to mention Bowen's defensive prime was when they were allowed to hand check while Battier's defensive prime they took away the hand-check. It makes it tougher for Battier to defend.

http://www.slamdumb.com/images/comics/3_18_08.jpg

[305Baller]

This one is very tough. I will go with Bowen because he won some ships, but my gut instinct tells me Battier is the better overall player.

[StroShow4]

This one is very tough. I will go with Bowen because he won some ships, but my gut instinct tells me Battier is the better overall player.

Never understood this kind of reasoning. Bowen won "ships" because he played for the Spurs. Shane Battier has played most of his career with the Memphis Grizzlies. He's obviously not going to win any "ships" even if he's twice the player that Bowen is.

[Rose]

I wish Stroshow posted more. Including, but not limited to, his blog.

[305Baller]

True, true. But if two players are even, I give the player with the rings the edge. Contributing to a ship means that you got the job done, which means you did your job well, which means your team was that much better. Get me?

[Lebron23]

Shane Battier.

[$LakerGold]

What? :oldlol:

Bowen was 6'7 and 185 lbs while Battier was 6'8 and 220 lbs. Are you sure you didn't get the names mixed up? :lol


:oldlol: How good of a Ft shooter was he?

I think he meant that.. Bowen is small (Compared to Battier) .. but quick and solid.. he was able to defend guards like Nash and etc.

And Battier is more of a methodical type of defender.. (Not sayin that bowen isnt)

[StroShow4]

I wish Stroshow posted more. Including, but not limited to, his blog.

Don't worry, I'll be back. I always take it easy in the summer time.

[Nero Tulip]

Fact 1: Battier is way more popular (IMO because he didn't annoy anyone because he was a consistant loser)

Fact 2: even though people hate Bowen and love Battier, most people seem to agree that Bowen was better

Therefore, Bowen is way, way better. People have a bias towards Battier, and they still pick Bowen.

[Grinder]

Battier. Smarter and equally good defender. Better passer, better rebounder, and can do more on offense.

[lefthook00]

Bowen is dirty, sleazy and hated more. while Battier is more respected and acknowledge as a great defender. I guess in some ways that makes Bowen better since he gets into player's heads even though Kobe has destroyed both of them and in the playoffs.

Battier played better defense when they took away the hand-check rule though, he had a unique way for getting a hand their face instead of going for the block. He influenced many high school and college coaches to tell their players to do that.
I remember there was an article talking about Battier the no stats all star. Can't find it now, but it was a great read. Love to see that again

I prefer Battier though, just a personal preference.

What Battier does is not new. People were doing the hand in the face thing to MJ during his 2nd 3-peat.

[Droid101]

Bowen was a dirty cheater. I'd never want him on my team.

[Anaximandro1]

http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn200/nbacardDOTnet/zz%20NBA%20Photo%20Gallery/z%20Funny%20NBA%20Photos/Funny%20Situation/Kick/bowenkickgk9.gif

Bruce :applause:

[Lebron23]

Bowen was a dirty cheater. I'd never want him on my team.


I want him on the Miami Heat.

[All Net]

Bowen

he might of been dirty at times but was strong as hell.

[BlueandGold]

Yea Bowen is a beast, one of the best perimeter defenders of all time. Battier might get there with a couple of rings. But I don't see him as hungry and as willing to fight for every inch that Bowen was.

[$LakerGold]

Yea Bowen is a beast, one of the best perimeter defenders of all time. Battier might get there with a couple of rings. But I don't see him as hungry and as willing to fight for every inch that Bowen was.
Yep.

[$LakerGold]

I want him on the Miami Heat.
HE RETIRED.

[clayton]

Bowen. He once broke AI's ankle without the ball. :bowdown:

[LBJMVP]

bowen....


i F*ckin hate battier.

he always, i mean always instigates shit and then when the other player gets mad he puts on his stupid ass goofy the dog face.

like "gorsh refs, i would never do anything to make someone mad"

http://th04.deviantart.net/fs71/PRE/i/2010/095/d/4/Goofy_by_JPrevot.jpg

[solar.hands]

http://48minutesofhell.blogspot.com/2008/12/bruce-bowens-opportunity-to-win.html?m=1

some old sh!tty article bout bruce

[SpecialQue]

Shane Battier looks like a thin version of that gay fat dude from The Sopranos.

[Snoop_Cat]

Bruce Bowen. Battier gets vastly overrated.

[Timmy D for MVP]

Bowen in a heartbeat. He's the better defender.

[JustinJDW]

Battier was the better overall player.
Bowen was the better defender.

Bowen literally shut down superstars in his playing days and he did it in the Playoffs AND he did it in Championship winning seasons. Bowen defended cats from Steve Nash to Dirk to Chris Paul to Lebron, and he did it with success, IN THE PLAYOFFS. Bowen's the man.

http://espn.go.com/photo/2006/0605/nba_g_bowennowitzki_268.jpg

http://i2.cdn.turner.com/si/2009/writers/steve_aschburner/09/04/bowen/bowen-nash.jpg

http://www.emptythebench.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/05/allen-bowen.jpg

http://i.a.cnn.net/si/2006/writers/marty_burns/11/15/bowen.reputation/p1.rip.bowen.jpg

http://i.a.cnn.net/si/2007/writers/ian_thomsen/06/13/spurs.bowen/p1_bowen-getty.jpg

http://ww1.hdnux.com/photos/10/15/46/2152864/3/628x471.jpg

http://www2.pictures.gi.zimbio.com/Chris+Paul+Bruce+Bowen+San+Antonio+Spurs+v+zi3TSuE hDdYl.jpg


You know I got to show this again.
http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7tcber8e--0/SjKS96U5pZI/AAAAAAAAAJc/5Tx-U9m2ZmQ/s400/BruceBowenBlocksDirk.jpg

Look at that shit! ^^^ :lebronamazed:

One of the greatest defensive plays I ever witnessed in my life. Too bad Manu fouled at the end. That foul literally cost us another Championship. :banghead: Bowen should have shut D-Wade's ass down.

[JustinJDW]

I think back now, and the only player that Bowen was ever assigned to defend and didn't really have consistent success against, was Kobe Bryant back in the 03-07 years. But that was when Kobe had in the gym range and could also blow by anyone, so he was basically unguardable and was shitting on everybody. Plus Kobe always went out of his way to have a great performance against Bowen, even today, because Bowen was getting a reputation as a "Kobe stopper", and we all know how Kobe takes offense to these small things and gets revenge. I don't think anyone was ever a "Kobe stopper" (Sefolosha today is pretty close though) but Bowen played as good a defense that anyone could physically play on the guy. Kobe would always become the king of bullshit shots when he faced the Spurs. I mean Bowen would do everything right, and still get burned. He would defend Kobe like this....

http://www4.pictures.gi.zimbio.com/Kobe+Bryant+Tony+Parker+San+Antonio+Spurs+3Xkg1qai aZrl.jpg

and make him take a shot that turned into this.....

http://www4.pictures.gi.zimbio.com/Tim+Duncan+Bruce+Bowen+San+Antonio+Spurs+v+XXBSmzV sTzyl.jpg

and Kobe would still score. :coleman:

But yeah, I'm not going to deduct points from Bowen for not doing the impossible. Bowen's the man, and he still got his rings. ALL HAIL BOWEN!!!

http://24.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m4tjfuGAYw1rw8ydao1_400.jpg

[KOBE143]

Bruce "The Almighty" Bowen

[roffie]

lol bruce bowen, no contest

[baseketball4life]

Batman Battier

[Xiao Yao You]

Battier. Bowen's game was way to limited.

[ImmortalD24]

Bowen.. easily. But Battier is still a quality role player overall (just not better than Bowen). However, with the way he was shooting last year, especially in the finals.. that was just remarkable. I've never seen Bowen that hot. I might be inclined to take Battier if he can replicate what he did last year.

[rmt]

Bowen.. easily. But Battier is still a quality role player overall (just not better than Bowen). However, with the way he was shooting last year, especially in the finals.. that was just remarkable. I've never seen Bowen that hot. I might be inclined to take Battier if he can replicate what he did last year.

2003 playoffs vs Lakers, game 2: Bowen 3 blks, 27 points (10-12 FG%, 7-8 3 pointers) playing against Kobe (so it's not like Bowen was resting on defense) who went 9/24.

[bfrombleacher]

Bruce Bowen was a freaking monster.

[$LakerGold]

you're selling him short with this statement.
:pimp:

[$LakerGold]

Bruce Bowen was a freaking monster.
:pimp:

[Dro]

I think Battier is the better all around player and the better shooter....I'm going with Shane. I think he's a better ball handler if he HAS to put it on the floor and has to make a play for somebody else, even a simple dish off..Maybe not nowadays but earlier in this career.

[PickernRoller]

Easily Bruce Bowen.

[imdaman99]

I'll take the stopper over the guy who would just make you work really hard for your points.

AKA Karate Bowen

[TheReal Kendall]

Idk.

It depends on if I want the guy to do more than just defend.

If he's just defending I'll take Bruce but I need him to get some points I'll take Battier

[Lebron23]

Battier is the better all around player while Bowen is the better defender.