Understanding Brandon Rush's Game

by ArnoldL on Mar 22, 2011 3:03 AM EDT

I've been seeing a lot of comments criticizing Brandon Rush's passiveness on offense. I used to be part of that crowd, but I think I understand Brandon's game now. He plays very similar to Bruce Bowen. He's probably the team's best perimeter defender. He's got good footwork, quick hands, and strength to body up against the opposing team's scoring guard. On offense, he seems content to stay in the corners and be available for the open 3 / create space for the post players. I think that's ok. Rush has good handles and hops, and can finish strong on drives - but that doesn't seem to be his role. I am happy with the way he plays defense though. If he further improves his defense, I think he'll help the team in the playoffs.

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Bruce Bowen had an edge when he played.

He could intimidate players when he played. I sincerely doubt that Brandon Rush can or has ever intimidated another basketball player.

by infinityzero.systemerror on Mar 22, 2011 3:25 AM EDT reply actions

IDK he plays LBJ and some other elite guys pretty tough

by Justin Arnold on Mar 22, 2011 6:45 PM EDT up reply actions

Yes Rush is a great on man defender

but his court awareness and team defense are horrible. Bowen’s team D was outstanding. Thats a big difference.
Rush’s problem is that he’s a freak athlete playing a game he obviously doesn’t have a super great feel for.
If you ask me someone should have told him a long time ago to play WR. He just looks like he’s in the wrong sport

by PIERREismyHOMEBOY on Mar 22, 2011 10:30 AM EDT reply actions

+1...

He seems athletically gifted but unsure how to utilize it to his advantage in basketball. For some reason I thought he would be on Granger’s level just more athletic and a better defender but I guess he proved me wrong.

Opportunity is missed by most people because it comes dressed in overalls and looks like work.
-Thomas Edison

by W.Diesel on Mar 22, 2011 1:04 PM EDT up reply actions

Seems to run in the family...

"You're hitting the wrong person. Don't you know you're hitting Ron Artest?"

Come visit The Fantasy Ninjas. We'd love to hear from you.

by LukeNukem on Mar 22, 2011 1:21 PM EDT up reply actions

Rush is done in Indy

Thats the way it goes sometimes. Even lottery picks fail sometimes. What irks me is the fact that I think he CAN play. What I am afraid of is someone is going to pick him up and get him in the hands of a real coach who can maximize his potential. We have to remember that this guy’s formative years in the NBA were playing for JOB. Its hard to know what his real ceiling is because the one we see nightly has been artificially lowered.

Watch, we are going to let him go, and this dude is going to be the 7th or 8th man on a team that wins a title. In fact I would be willing to bet $$$ he gets a ring before Danny Granger.

by indycrr on Mar 22, 2011 1:25 PM EDT reply actions

I wwas thinking along the same train of thought as far as bowen comparison and his role on the team...

Rush will be a great 7th man off the bench. He is much more athletic and potentialy better than Bowen. Unfortunately, in my book this was a make or break year for me on him, and he probably will not fufill that potential. He is a good player who I d love to keep and have come off the bench. He is productive part not utilized properly to have outstanding stats, but he is a player, awinner, like Hans and a lot of guys we have on this team. I like our makeup and where we r headed. Id like to see Rush be a part of it for an economic price.

by Justin Arnold on Mar 22, 2011 6:51 PM EDT reply actions

He's got a year left.

I’d like to see him move more without the ball and just play more aggresive. But, I don’t hate Rush any where near as much as most. Just wouldn’t mind getting something for him before he walks.

peac.e

by trucutter on Mar 22, 2011 7:49 PM EDT up reply actions