Spurs defensive stalwart Bruce Bowen had his number 12 retired by the San Antonio Spurs on March 21, 2012, less than 3 years after he retired from the NBA. Bowen is the first Spur never to average double digits in a season to be celebrated in this fashion. Bowen isn’t renowned for his offensive expertise. He became the prototype of the modern 3-and-D player and paved the way for current players like Danny Green to shine with a distinctive mixture of limitations and exceptional skills. Not only did Bowen contribute to three of the Spurs five championships (the only member of the Spurs to win exactly three), but he also offered the most Spursian contributions by allowing the organization to un-retire his number when signing free agent LaMarcus Aldridge.
Bruce Bowen: The exception proves the rule
