Bogans the new Bowen??

[Nolan]

http://www.mysanantonio.com/sports/spurs/Spurs_Bogans_a_master_of_the_art_of_irritation.html

“I want to annoy guys,” said Bogans, the Spurs' latest starter at shooting guard. “I want guys to know when I'm guarding them, it's going to be a tough night. I don't want anybody to think it's going to be a walk in the park. See me, and put a smile on your face? No, that's not me.”

An afterthought for much of the preseason, Bogans has emerged as perhaps the biggest early-season surprise for the Spurs. His defensive prowess earned him a spot in the starting lineup three games ago, and he has done little to relinquish it.

“That's what Keith Bogans does,” coach Gregg Popovich said. “He knows his role. He takes pride in it.”

“That dude is a monster,” McDyess said. “I knew he was a good defensive player, but I didn't know he was that good.”

Its probably a little early to be making the comparison but the similarities are there. I love the guys attitude and if he can keep it going he could be exactly what we need at SG.

Thoughts?

[TAI8]

He did a great job defensively on Howard in the game against Dallas...They also put Bogans on Dirk for a few possessions and did reasonably well although Dirk and the Mavs were clearly out of energy due to the back 2 back on the road..He even shot the 3's like Bowen...Overall I like what I'm seeing from him..If he can keep up this defensive intensity it will be a great asset and relief to the team especially on Jefferson who can continue to focus more on slashing relentlessly and creating good looks for others..

[co_laper]

It's better than nothing, but I really hope Jefferson can be our best perimeter defensive player. Bowen, during his days, was on the floor for atleast 30 minutes a game in the playoffs. Bogans won't get that much floor time. By playoff time, Manu and Jefferson will be averaging like 38 minutes leaving little minutes for Bogans to be Bruce Bowen.

That's why we need Jefferson to be our Bowen. Not Bogans or anybody from the bench. The guys getting big minutes need to do it for us. Jefferson's offense has been a very nice surprise considering the lack of firepower we have right now with Duncan and Parker out, but eventually, he'll be our 4th option and he needs to be our best perimeter defensive player.

[SApuro_]

Our defense this year has been absolutely terrible. Bogans has been one surprising nice spot. He's not quite bowen yet but i like his defense intensity. I love how Pop gives the new comers big minutes early. He really knows how to give players the opportunity to show what they can do.

[co_laper]

When Jefferson takes only 4 shots offensively, and Bogans is the better defensive player, I'm really trying not to scream and get mad.

[Black_Jack21]

I'm reasonably happy if Jeffersons defence takes a second priority. If Bogans continues to play well enough to start, which he is, Jefferson, Parker and Duncan will be our primary scorers.
With Manu and Dice still coming of the bench and it gives us alot of offensive depth.
We all know that RJ's defensive game is there, but i'm not going to be upset (so long as he doesn't make bonehead plays and scores plenty of points) for him to give the job of team Bloodhound to Bogans

[co_laper]

I'll be happy if Jefferson can keep getting his shots when everyone is healthy. I think we've only played like 3 games with all of our big stars playing and Jefferson has not been getting enough touches.

[co_laper]

I have to say it.

Looking at how Bowen played in the playoffs last year, there's no way that the current Bogans is a better defender. Bowen may have lost a step or two, but he's still way more physical and plays smarter defense.

[the southern dandy]

I think Bogans is a nice player to have on the bench, specifically to use in spot minutes when the team is playing soft basketball. His role right now exceeds the abilities which he has. Pop has to realise that he isn't Bruce Bowen and cut his losses.

[Donald Kaufman]

First Udoka, now Bogans? Nah, I don't buy it. Players like Bowen come along once a decade. Opposing fans jump for joy at this fact.

[Ballings7]

Bowen probably lost something his last two years, but even in that form, he was still an above-average defensive player. His effectiveness also took a hit due to us getting worse (offensively and offensively/defensively), in terms of playing time.

[Blame Rasho]

The thought is laughable...

[co_laper]

I don't think it'll matter how good Bogan's defense is if he's only getting 15 minutes a game doing it. Even Bruce Bowen can't make his mark defensively if he's not getting 30 minutes and guarding the guy full time. I've said this before, if we need a new Bowen, we need that guy to be Richard Jefferson. Not Bogans or Hairston or whoever. The guy getting 25-30 minutes has to provide us with that kind of defense.

[co_laper]

I have to say man.. I'm a huge Bruce Bowen fan. Just notice that he's an ESPN analyst now and I just love reading and listening to him. Great guy. Definitely one of my all time favorite Spur.

[Donald Kaufman]

Yeah, he's up there for me as well. You can really see how valuable he was this year by how much we suck at present. His D, corner 3's and overall unselfishness were so crucial to this team's success.

[co_laper]

No matter how slow bowen got even after half a year off, I still think he's our best perimeter defender if he's here. Defense is not just about foot speed. It's about smarts, toughness, physicality, dirty. He might not be quicker than any of our guards, but he trumps them all in all the other categories. God, I wish Bowen is still here. Our defense sucks.

[SApuro_]

I agree bowen was a better defender. His arms were longer and he moved his feet better. Plus he could still knock down that corner 3. Which was always money.

I cringe evertime I see Boguns in the starting lineup but what other options does Pop have?

[co_laper]

I haven't gotten a Spurs game in a while. Only the last few minutes of the Lakers game and the 4th quarter of today's Cavs game. I will say that the Spurs defense looks pretty good againts the Cavs and that Bogans actually looked very very good defensively. He guarded Antawn Jamison like a beast. For a while there, I actually thought Bowen is in town. He's not the pest Bowen is, but I will say he's tougher and way Thicker than Bowen. His defensive work today really surprised me.

[SApuro_]

Its not just Boguns the entire team is playing better D. They are finally playing together. Helping each other out.

I do like how Boguns is gritty and tough. Glad Pop got him out of the starting lineup though. He had no business being in their.

[JasonDaPsycho]

He is good, but speaking of annoying, no one is even close to Bowen's level.

As much as I hated Bruce Bowen, I have to admit that he is extremely talented on the defensive end of the court.
One of the things about Bruce is that he was able to use his hands (and feet, to injure others) very well. Bogans wasn't using his hands as much as Bruce does. While Bogans is decent, he is no where close to Buce's level.