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Not much of a homer like Mike Smith was. Probably because Bowen never played for the Clippers so there's no emotional ties, unlike Mike Smith. So that's a positive.

However, Bowen isn't very informative about opposing players like Smith was. He needs to to a better job talking to players before games. Smith was a master of that.

I'd say B-.

C+

He wasn't as bad as I thought he'd be. Also, knowing that Mike and Ralph didn't actually have the best relationship personally, I suppose Ralph probably like working with Bruce better if I were to guess.

Max Headrom wrote:He wasn't as bad as I thought he'd be. Also, knowing that Mike and Ralph didn't actually have the best relationship personally, I suppose Ralph probably like working with Bruce better if I were to guess.

Agree, and why I'll give him a B, for his energizing effect on Ralph, who seems like a new man.

Bowen is also pretty funny with the pre- and postgame crew, better than his actual game work. In fact, the whole Clippers broadcast package is miles ahead of the completely dull, dank, dreadful Lakers package, with their dingy studio, dud announcers and coma-inducing analysts like the still-amateurish James Worthy and the world-class master of the obvious Stu Lantz.

I thought Bowen was very bland tbh. Mike despite some of his annoying things had more insights to share than Bowen. Maybe he'll continue to improve, I would give him a C-

hated him

Max Headrom wrote:He wasn't as bad as I thought he'd be. Also, knowing that Mike and Ralph didn't actually have the best relationship personally, I suppose Ralph probably like working with Bruce better if I were to guess.

Source?

Akklaim1 wrote:

Max Headrom wrote:He wasn't as bad as I thought he'd be. Also, knowing that Mike and Ralph didn't actually have the best relationship personally, I suppose Ralph probably like working with Bruce better if I were to guess.

Source?

I can't remember if it was from Twitter or an article but I also used to pay attention to their interaction when I went to games and with body language and interaction, you can tell either Ralph wasn't fond of him or the feeling was mutual. During TV timeouts they sat there and ignored one another as if the other didn't exist.

Inoffensive but not exciting either. Just meh. Can't even bother to grade him.

Wish they spent whatever it takes to pair Ralph and Walton again, it'd make the games so much more fun.

Max Headrom wrote:

Akklaim1 wrote:

Max Headrom wrote:He wasn't as bad as I thought he'd be. Also, knowing that Mike and Ralph didn't actually have the best relationship personally, I suppose Ralph probably like working with Bruce better if I were to guess.

Source?

I can't remember if it was from Twitter or an article but I also used to pay attention to their interaction when I went to games and with body language and interaction, you can tell either Ralph wasn't fond of him or the feeling was mutual. During TV timeouts they sat there and ignored one another as if the other didn't exist.

You know what's funny, Mike wasn't even there for Ralph's Walk of Fame induction.

Akklaim1 wrote:

Max Headrom wrote:

Akklaim1 wrote:Source?

I can't remember if it was from Twitter or an article but I also used to pay attention to their interaction when I went to games and with body language and interaction, you can tell either Ralph wasn't fond of him or the feeling was mutual. During TV timeouts they sat there and ignored one another as if the other didn't exist.

You know what's funny, Mike wasn't even there for Ralph's Walk of Fame induction.

Yeah, there was definitely something off with them. Also, it seemed like Ralph didn't have any of his "old man" moments during the season. He seemed as sharp as ever this season.

B-

As of now, I don't think he's a very good color commentator, but I do find his willingness to call out players on obvious lacks of effort refreshing.

Max Headrom wrote:

Akklaim1 wrote:

Max Headrom wrote:
I can't remember if it was from Twitter or an article but I also used to pay attention to their interaction when I went to games and with body language and interaction, you can tell either Ralph wasn't fond of him or the feeling was mutual. During TV timeouts they sat there and ignored one another as if the other didn't exist.

You know what's funny, Mike wasn't even there for Ralph's Walk of Fame induction.

Yeah, there was definitely something off with them. Also, it seemed like Ralph didn't have any of his "old man" moments during the season. He seemed as sharp as ever this season.

Exactly. Why I gave Bowen a B, his effect on Ralph was palpable. Like in his playing days as a 3 and D man--he practically INVENTED the 3 and D!--

https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/b/bowenbr01.html

Bowen's a team player. He takes on the role of the clown a bit--70 bowties?--but he was good for the Clippers broadcast team, both with Ralph and on the wraparound shows--the latter of which I saw mentioned somewhere when Bowen was hired. Although Mike held his own as an analyst, he was not a complement for Ralph--who is the main show--and also was completely dreadful in the pre- and post-game shows. [Almost as bad as James Worthy.]


And off-air? Ralph had someone to hang out with on the road, maybe? I mean you're just not going to get the Mormon father of 10 to go grab a couple snorts down in the hotel bar. Mike was a total pro, but dry as toast. And if he didn't attend Ralph's Walk of Fame induction, whether it was indifference or just family commitments, it shows the lack of chemistry between them regardless.

Like CP and Blake, come to think of it. Hmmm...

All I learned from Bruce Bowen this year is that his favorite word is "transpired"