Bruce Bowen retired from the NBA after the 2009 season, but he’s still making sacrifices for his old team six years later.
Bowen granted the San Antonio Spurs permission to un-retire his No. 12 jersey so that new free agent acquisition LaMarcus Aldridge could wear it.
“You want LaMarcus to feel part of the family,” Bowen told the San Antonio Express-News. “If I can have a hand in that, shoot, why not? I don’t play anymore.”
Bowen’s jersey was retired three years ago by the organization to honor his outstanding play with the team. A defensive stalwart, Bowen helped the Spurs win three championships and was named first-team All-NBA defense five times.
Rather than be egotistical and throw a fit, he wants the Spurs to welcome Aldridge and continue winning.
“I hope it helps (Aldridge) feel comfortable,” Bowen said. “If he’s comfortable, the sky’s the limit for him here. It’s one less thing he has to worry about.”
Aldridge wore No. 12 in all nine of his NBA seasons in Portland. Though he did not make the number one of his conditions to sign with the team, he’ll probably be happy to continue wearing it. And if a simple phone call was all that was needed to get him his number, then he certainly got off easily — at least compared to this guy.
Photo: Bruce Bowen/Twitter
