Brandon Rush

[Crossova21]

Tonight was the first time I really missed Rush. He better replace Dunleavy when he returns! At the all-star break Dunleavy should be the fourth wing on the depth chart cuz his defense and shooting are KILLING us!

[chube]

Agreed.

With or without Rush, the last couple years, I've never seen why JOB is so high on Dunleavy. When he's on, he's a nice asset. When he's off...ugh...damn. I really think Indy can get the "lost" offensive production back with Rush in the lineup. And of course, his perimeter D will be much-needed. That's why I wish Dahntay would play more. I really think he can get that defensive mentality back like he had in Denver, plus he had a career year offensively last year. If he puts those two together, he can be great for us! Well, at most, only 6 more months of Dunleavy as a starter, huh?

Roy still looks uncomfortable with double-teams, but considering he's really only been seeing it for the first time this season, Roy I'm sure will put in the time and get it figured out.

[Miller4ever]

I am hoping Rush can contribute positively in his return. Dunleavy will probably still start, and Rush might even be behind George. With the outside attack being Houston's main weapon, we should look to shore up defensively. I'd rather have Rush on KMart than Dunleavy.

[Grang33r]

According to wire tap, via Indy Star, it may appear that Brandon Rush will start on Tuesday when he returns from his suspension. Good move. With a true point guard and more offensive weapons, i think this will be truly his time to shine. If he doesn't, i think we can all forget about him and move on. He had a strong finish to last season shooting the basketball, so we'll see what he does with it. Should be a major confidence boost but on the other hand, i truly hope Jim O'Brien is considering the switch because of what he has seen of Rush in practice, and not as a punishment to Mike Dunleavy and hoping that "Rush is better".

[Indy2thaWindy]

I hope this doesn't take away from PG's playin time. He's been great on defense and playin good on offense.

[chube]

^^^ Agreed. If Dunleavy does end up starting, my hope is that Rush is first off the bench at the 2 and Paul is first off the bench for the 3, and then work in Posey somehow.

[jowglenn]

I said it before: I'm optimistic that Rush will actually have a great season.

Maybe the suspension was what he needed to realize that his NBA career is teetering, and that he needs to take it a lot more seriously if he doesn't want to end up drummed out of the league in a few years.

I really think we'll see some good stuff from Rush.

[Starkiller]

So get this.....Rush isn't starting over Dunleavy because JOB likes "the way the first unit is playing defensively." Wow......

[chube]

Good God! If nothing else, kudos to JOB for saying that with a straight face. Damn!

One more thing I don't understand about JOB.

[8305]

So get this.....Rush isn't starting over Dunleavy because JOB likes "the way the first unit is playing defensively." Wow......

Yeah, saw that too and was also perplexed. It would seem the biggest reason for getting Dunleavy out of the starting line up would be to improve defensively. In the game against the Bucks Salmons repeatedly hit vitrually uncomtested 18 foot jumpers while Dunleavy was guarding him.

[Starkiller]

Is it safe to say we have the worst coach in the NBA?

[Miller4ever]

No. Kurt Rambis benches Kevin Love in favor of Tolliver.

But we are close.

[aquatic92]

WHY ARE PEOPLE SURPRISED THAT JOB DID/SAID SOMETHING STUPID?????

Also, JOB likes getting blown out by the Sixers. Now that was a particularly good effort defensively from the first team. *shakes head* Besides Roy and DC, the first team defense is ATROCIOUS.

Silly me, expecting things with this team to change even though the same idiot is running the team.

[Miller4ever]

You are silly for sure.

[Gremz]

Is anyone doing a game thread?

I can have one up by tip off if need be.

[jowglenn]

So get this.....Rush isn't starting over Dunleavy because JOB likes "the way the first unit is playing defensively." Wow......

Definitely can't blame O'Brien for bringing Rush off the bench. Maybe his explanation makes no sense, but remember, there's a whole meta-game going on here too.

Rush needs to earn the starting spot if he wants it. You certainly can't give it to him right off the bat. "Hey Brandon, welcome back from your drug suspension. You know how you're a flaky player who sometimes checks out of the game completely, and apparently an irresponsible one who can't quite smoking weed either? Congratulations, you're starting in your first game back, well done!" would be TERRIBLE.

Rush needs to feel a little fear here. If he gets out of line ever, he needs to be put in place (though I don't believe he's any kind of problem guy or complainer - I mean more in that lethargic, going-through-the-motions type stuff we sometimes see from him).


I think O'Brien's comments make sense, really. He's basically telling Rush, "Oh, you're a defensive specialist? Really? You are so in the doghouse right now that I'd prefer Mike Dunleavy's defense over yours."


As I said before, expect Rush to play with a fire, with a passion that he has lacked before, because he's got something to prove this time. "Coach thinks my defense isn't good enough for the first unit? I'll show him!!!!!!!!" and he goes out and locks people down. That's the goal.

[Wizop]

Rush looked great last night. I've always thought at his best he looked better than Granger at a comparable age ... but did you really have an issue with the coach's choice of who should start the second half last night? this year is going to be a lot more fun if Mike and Brandon stay healthy and play at a level that allows Paul to be brought along at normal rookie pace. I'm certainly happier watching us try to win games this year instead of just developing for some future year.

[Starkiller]

So get this.....Rush isn't starting over Dunleavy because JOB likes "the way the first unit is playing defensively." Wow......

Definitely can't blame O'Brien for bringing Rush off the bench. Maybe his explanation makes no sense, but remember, there's a whole meta-game going on here too.

Rush needs to earn the starting spot if he wants it. You certainly can't give it to him right off the bat. "Hey Brandon, welcome back from your drug suspension. You know how you're a flaky player who sometimes checks out of the game completely, and apparently an irresponsible one who can't quite smoking weed either? Congratulations, you're starting in your first game back, well done!" would be TERRIBLE.

Rush needs to feel a little fear here. If he gets out of line ever, he needs to be put in place (though I don't believe he's any kind of problem guy or complainer - I mean more in that lethargic, going-through-the-motions type stuff we sometimes see from him).


I think O'Brien's comments make sense, really. He's basically telling Rush, "Oh, you're a defensive specialist? Really? You are so in the doghouse right now that I'd prefer Mike Dunleavy's defense over yours."


As I said before, expect Rush to play with a fire, with a passion that he has lacked before, because he's got something to prove this time. "Coach thinks my defense isn't good enough for the first unit? I'll show him!!!!!!!!" and he goes out and locks people down. That's the goal.

That makes a ton of sense, but come on, you really think that is what JOB had in mind?

[Wizop]

Rush looks best when he has plays run for him and so he scores best when he comes in for Danny at the 3 because the offense is used to running plays for Danny. when he starts at the 2, he tends to loose focus. at least that's what happened last year. maybe sitting five games and watching Mike on tape helped. he certainly was more aggressive last night. maybe he feels the pressure from Paul. that would be a good thing.

[Boneman2]

I love Brandon's demeanor, he played like all the pressure is gone. He aggresively displayed leadership with the second unit, very nice.

Keep it up Brandon.