Brandon Rush: The Pacers 2009 X-Factor?

jarrettjackfan · Post #1 » by **jarrettjackfan** » Tue Jul 7, 2009 12:57 pm

It’s very possible that this season for the Indiana Pacers can really look to one player in the first games of the season. Not all the blame or credit will be given to one player, but still, I think that the Pacers will win more if Brandon Rush can come up big for the Pacers. I remember at the start of last season, he wasn’t all that consistent with his game, and his defense left something to desire, but towards the end of the year he was playing like Danny Granger’s primary helper.

Watching his game, Rush is an interesting player, reminding me a lot of Danny Granger himself. Granger is a great three point shooter, but also didn’t really shoot very well in his first year, and Rush was just about the same way. On the rebounding side of things, Rush was a little more solid in his rookie season than Granger was, but still the comparison is still very close. Defense? Well, yes their defense is very comparable as well because of the fact that they have the same body style, with their arms being long and having quick enough feet to be able to stay in front of opposing guards or small forwards.

Now, why would I even say that the Pacers won’t win all that many games in the first half of this season is Rush doesn’t play well? First of all, I would like to bring your train of thought to Mike Dunleavy, the Pacers regular starting shooting guard. Obviously, Dunleavy will not be able to play for about the first half of this season because of the surgery he has had on his knee and hip. That being said, I would also like you to call your attention to the fact that the Pacers really don’t have another player that is a true shooting guard. The other players that could play the position are A.J. Price, Jarrett Jack, Stephen Graham if he comes back, and possibly the Pacers re-signing Marquis Daniels, although I don’t see Daniels in a Pacers uniform next season. Those options definitely are not going to be able to put up very solid minutes at the two-guard position.

Rush also was huge with the shooting last season. The Pacers really don’t have a knock down shooter, except for the possible exception of Travis Diener, who it’s hard to call him a knock down shooter at the point guard position. Sure, you can make an argument for Dunleavy but again he is injured. Granger? Yeah I could see your point there but honestly that’s not what he does best. Granger is the type of player who should drive to the bucket, draw the foul, and then if he’s absolutely wide open then take the three and knock it down. Troy Murphy is yet another possibility although he honestly isn’t all that consistent, so I would count him out as well. Of course! I totally forgot the Pacers have Roy Hibbert, their shooting issues are solved! While that would be nice, obviously that is so not true, so yes Rush is probably the guy that will be spotting up and hitting open threes off passes from Price, Diener, Ford, and Jack (assuming Jack is re-signed by Indiana).

If Rush doesn’t play very well, then I still believe he’ll start, but obviously it brings the starting lineups potential down. If he does play the way he was playing at the end of last season, then I would have to say that the Pacers do have an opportunity to get off to a good start, and finally make the playoffs for the first time in three years, which of course the Pacers need to do in order to get some of their fans back. Only time will tell if Rush can become the Pacers new starting shooting guard, and hopefully he’s been in the gym this offseason and has improved in both his offensive game, and his defensive game.

Comments are appreciated. This article is also posted at the forum I have below so if you see it there that is me.

Orlock78 · Post #2 » by **Orlock78** » Tue Jul 7, 2009 2:32 pm

Well if he keeps shooting the ball like he did in that first summer league game, then we are in for a long season. I think he was something like 4 of 18 with crappy FT shooting to boot. I like Rush, so I really hope this isn't the beginning of a trend. Guess we'll see.

Post #3 » by **mizzoupacers** » Tue Jul 7, 2009 2:55 pm

The Pacers desperately need Rush to turn out to be a good NBA player, no doubt about that. For next year, though, I personally would be happy just to see him hold his own as an everyday starter. One step at a time...

jarrettjackfan · Post #4 » by **jarrettjackfan** » Tue Jul 7, 2009 2:58 pm

The reason I stated for 2009 X-Factor not the 2009-10 X-Factor is because Dunleavy comes back in 2010, and then Rush can take a seat and play minutes off the bench, or possibly just have Dunleavy giving some good time while Rush gets a rest. But at the first half of the Pacers season, it will be Rush by himself, and that's when the Pacers need him to shine for them.

Post #5 » by **PR07** » Tue Jul 7, 2009 6:08 pm

I think there's a good chance he becomes our second best player next year. Says a lot about Rush, also says a lot about our current talent pool.

8305 · Post #6 » by **8305** » Tue Jul 7, 2009 9:20 pm

If there is an X factor I agree it is Rush. Lots of similarities to Granger size, length, athleticism, scoring ability and ability to defend. He will certainly have the opportunity. If he steps up this year and can get say 16 per game with some degree of efficiency the Pacers could be a pretty good team.