On This Day in NBA History: Bowen and DeClercq Ink Contracts as Erden and Marvin Williams Celebrate Their Birthdays

July 28 has quietly become a notable date in NBA history—not because of a buzzer-beater or championship moment, but for the more foundational moments that shape the careers of players. On this day, two gritty veterans—Bruce Bowen and Andrew DeClercq—signed their NBA contracts, setting in motion careers defined by hustle, grit, and consistency. Meanwhile, two others—Semih Erden and Marvin Williams—celebrated birthdays, marking their own contributions to the league’s history. These milestones collectively remind us that the NBA’s rich tapestry is not just made of superstars but of role players, defensive stoppers, international imports, and long-serving professionals who brought value to every team they touched.

Bruce Bowen: The Defensive Ace Finds a Home

On July 28, Bruce Bowen officially signed with an NBA team—one of the first key moves in a journey that saw him evolve from an undrafted free agent to a cornerstone of San Antonio Spurs’ championship defenses. While Bowen’s early years were marked by ten-day contracts and overseas stints, his true breakout began in the early 2000s when the Spurs gave him the trust and role he needed to flourish.

Bowen didn’t dazzle with stats—he averaged only 6.1 points per game over his career—but his defensive excellence became legendary. A seven-time NBA All-Defensive Team selection and three-time NBA Champion, Bowen was often tasked with guarding the opposing team’s best wing scorer. From Kobe Bryant to LeBron James, Bowen made life difficult for every superstar he faced. His ability to shut down elite scorers while knocking down timely corner threes made him one of the original “3-and-D” pioneers in the modern NBA.

Bowen’s signing on this day is symbolic of the underappreciated work ethic that defines many NBA careers. He may not have been a lottery pick or All-Star, but his influence on the game was significant. In San Antonio, he played a crucial role alongside Tim Duncan, Tony Parker, and Manu Ginobili in helping the franchise win titles in 2003, 2005, and 2007.

Andrew DeClercq: The Relentless Role Player

Also on this day, Andrew DeClercq signed his NBA contract, bringing another kind of value to the hardwood. A product of the University of Florida, DeClercq was a blue-collar big man, known more for doing the dirty work than filling the stat sheet.

Drafted by the Golden State Warriors in the second round of the 1995 NBA Draft, DeClercq would go on to play 10 seasons in the NBA, suiting up for the Warriors, Celtics, Cavaliers, and Magic. While his career averages—4.8 points and 4.2 rebounds per game—don’t leap off the page, his presence in the paint, setting hard screens, boxing out, and defending post players was valued by every coach he played for.

DeClercq was never flashy, but he exemplified the role player’s creed—doing what the team needs, night in and night out. His signing on July 28 serves as a reminder that not every NBA player is chasing scoring titles; some are simply fighting for their place and earning every minute on the court.

Semih Erden: The Turkish Center’s NBA Chapter Begins

July 28 is also the birthday of Semih Erden, born in 1986. The Turkish big man made his way to the NBA after being selected 60th overall by the Boston Celtics in the 2008 NBA Draft. Erden’s career in the league was brief, but his journey is part of the increasing international presence in the NBA, which was beginning to blossom in the late 2000s.

Erden didn’t join the Celtics until the 2010–11 season, where he played 37 games and started 7. Though his time was short, he shared the court with legends like Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett, and Ray Allen, soaking in invaluable experience. He was later traded to the Cleveland Cavaliers, where he finished out his NBA career in the 2011–12 season.

More than anything, Erden’s story highlights the bridging of global basketball communities. He went on to have a successful international career, representing Turkey in multiple FIBA competitions and continuing to play professionally in Europe. Erden’s birthday reminds us that the NBA’s influence reaches far beyond North America—and that the league has become a true global melting pot of talent.

Marvin Williams: The Model of NBA Longevity

Also born on July 28, 1986, Marvin Williams stands out as one of the most dependable and enduring players of his generation. Drafted No. 2 overall in the 2005 NBA Draft by the Atlanta Hawks, Williams was expected to be a franchise cornerstone. While he never quite reached All-Star status, he carved out a 16-season career defined by professionalism, versatility, and consistency.

Williams averaged 10.2 points and 5.2 rebounds per game over 1,072 career appearances. His ability to play both forward positions, shoot from the perimeter, and guard multiple spots made him an invaluable glue guy. Whether it was with the Hawks, Jazz, Hornets, or Bucks, Williams was respected in every locker room he entered.

Perhaps more important than his stats was his locker room leadership. Williams was known as a mentor to younger players, a vocal leader by example, and a player who always placed team success above individual accolades. His birthday is a fitting celebration of how one can have a meaningful, even if unspectacular, career by being steady, humble, and reliable.

The Unsung Importance of Dates Like July 28

When NBA fans think about historic dates, they often gravitate toward championship-clinching games, major trades, or record-breaking performances. But July 28 reminds us that NBA history is also shaped by quieter moments—the signings of role players, the births of future professionals, and the laying of foundations for journeys that span continents and decades.

The signings of Bowen and DeClercq underscore how veteran presence and role-specific skill sets are critical to team success. Meanwhile, the birthdays of Erden and Williams highlight two very different paths: one that spans the globe and another that thrived in the league’s trenches for over a decade.

The NBA is often defined by its superstars—LeBron James, Steph Curry, Kobe Bryant. But for every MVP, there are dozens of players like Bruce Bowen, whose defensive grit defined playoff series; Andrew DeClercq, who earned his keep through sweat and toughness; Semih Erden, who helped globalize the sport; and Marvin Williams, whose professionalism became a blueprint for younger players.

July 28 isn’t just a date on the calendar—it’s a celebration of the NBA’s depth and diversity. It’s a day that showcases how players from all backgrounds and skill levels contribute to the league’s enduring greatness.

As we reflect on the signings and birthdays that occurred on this day, we’re reminded that every role matters, every player’s journey counts, and every step—no matter how small—plays a part in building the NBA’s unforgettable story.