HoopsVibe

The San Antonio Spurs signed Bruce Bowen to a contract extension, the team announced Sunday.

Terms of the deal were not disclosed by the team, but the San Antonio Express-News said it was a two-year contract that will pay Bowen $4 million in each of the 2008-09 and 2009-10 seasons.

The second year of the extension is not fully guaranteed, an NBA executive familiar with the details told the newspaper.

My Quick Take: It's easy to hate on Bowen. His opponents show him contempt and in many stadiums he's public enemy number one. But hate him or love him, Bowen is one of the NBA's best defenders, using quick feet, endless stamina, and creative tactics to neutralize opposing superstars. This has made him a 'cult' hero or villain depending on your perspective.

But Bowen is more than a 'dirty' lockdown specialist and super pest to the stars. He has bucked the odds and carved out a solid NBA career in San Antonio, when nobody thought he was anything other than a 10 day contract. Remember, he bounced around Europe and the NBA before becoming a fixture on the All-Defensive team with the Spurs. So you have to respect his persistence, dedication to defense, and NBA Titles.

I'm a little surprised he's going to be around until 2010. Bowen will be 38 years old when his extension runs out and the Spurs do have Ime Udoka waiting in the wings.