he's the next bowen on D, yes, but he's not dirty like bruce is! believe me i see all the spurs games and he IS a dirty basta*d!
I guess living in Dallas & watching NBA League Pass, I'm getting a different perspective, but I *FREQUENTLY* hear references to the Rox & the streak. Last night on SportsCenter: "The Rockets may never lose again." On Dallas ESPN Radio: "The Rockets are playing Chicago, so if you want to scout the Bulls (refrencing Mavs play Bulls next), its on ESPN. They're up on them now, & have an 11 game win streak. I just don't understand the trade of Bonzi for Jackson." JVG calling BOS vs PHX: "The red hot Rockets with an 11 game streak . . . " I'm hearing it all over the place.
Battier unquestionably is the superior player today. However, my intent was not to compare the two side by side in the present, but to highlight the similarities between the Shane of today vs. the Bowen who was a key cog in San Antonio's championship run this decade. To be sure, they are not identical twins. Besides being completely different individuals, they also bring unique styles to the basketball court. As several have pointed out in this thread, Bowen in his prime used his quickness to become a better on the ball defender, while Battier is undoubtedly more skilled offensively. But regardless of whether or not you agree with the premise of the column, I do believe the key point is irrefutable: Both players are (or perhaps "were" in the case of Bowen) pivital parts of their team's success. Thanks for reading. JCF
