Torrey Craig didn’t ask for weak-side help. But Bruce Bowen was more than happy to offer it anyway.
Craig was introduced to Bowen — a member of the NBA’s All-Defensive first team with the San Antonio Spurs five times from 2004-08, the godfather of the NBA’s new niche of “3-and-D” wing players — in early October, before Denver’s preseason junket against the Los Angeles Clippers. As the Jedi master spoke, the Nuggets’ young wing forward took careful mental notes, especially when it came to pregame homework. Bowen recalled how he made late-night cramming sessions routine, studying film of his upcoming defensive assignment on the eve of their eventual meeting.