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The L.A. Clippers have had their television broadcasting duo of Ralph Lawler and former Clipper Mike Smith for the past 19 years, but on Thursday, news surfaced of a change to the team. According to Brad Turner of the L.A. Times, the Clippers have hired former San Antonio Spurs defensive-ace and three-time NBA champion Bruce Bowen to replace Smith as the color commentator for the team.
The Clippers have hired Bruce Bowen as game analyst, replacing Michael Smith, who had been the color commentator for 19 years, per source.
— Brad Turner (@BA_Turner) September 21, 2017
Bowen had been with ESPN since 2009.
— Brad Turner (@BA_Turner) September 21, 2017
Bowen worked at ESPN since 2009 as an NBA analyst, making appearances on SportsCenter, NBA Coast to Coast and NBA Tonight. As a former player, Bowen played 14 seasons in the NBA, averaging 6.1 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 1.2 assists per game.
In the search for a color commentator, Turner reports that the team also reached out to former Indiana Pacers legend Reggie Miller, who currently works as a color commentator for Turner Sports appearing on TNT games.
The Clippers had reached out to TNT analyst Reggie Miller, but he was only available for a handful of games, like 6, per source.
— Brad Turner (@BA_Turner) September 21, 2017
While his impact isn't shown on the stat sheet, Bowen was used a defensive monster to try and stop the likes of Kobe Bryant, Tracy McGrady, Vince Carter, and LeBron James. As a 3-and-D guy, Bowen helped the Spurs to three NBA titles in 2003, 2005, and 2007.
This change is among the huge changes surrounding the organization. Arguably the greatest player in franchise history, in Chris Paul, was traded, nine players left while nine new ones arrived, Doc Rivers has been relieved of President of Basketball Operations duties in favor of his right hand man Lawrence Frank so he can focus on coaching full-time, and Jerry West was hired as a consultant after a successful half-decade with the Warriors.
