Brandon Rush Could Start in 2010-11 Season Debut

Judging from the pre-season, many believed Brandon Rush wouldn’t be given a spot at all in the Indiana Pacers’ rotation. Many thought that Rush couldn’t even last training camp and that he could be dealt, or he could just be plain old released.

But Indiana took the gamble to keep B-Rush, even after his five-game suspension with drugs. With Rush’s suspension, it cost the Pacers a player in a rotation as they could only have eleven players for the past five games.

But now Rush is back and looks to make his season-debut. As I said before many many times, Darren Collison believes in Rush. Collison has been saying Rush has been consistent and is in for a good season. I will take his word. And Rush looks to be good to go with a nice, fresh start.

According to the Indianapolis Star, the Rush could be the starter at shooting guard when Indiana takes on Carmelo Anthony and the Denver Nuggets on Tuesday night at Conseco Fieldhouse at home, 7:00 PM. With Mike Dunleavy struggling a bit this season, the Pacers could use some youthful, more energetic help with Brandon.

It looks as if the Pacers could have a strong rotation now with Dunleavy, Rush, and Paul George at shooting guard. But according to Indy Star, Rush could take a lot of minutes from the striving rookie in George.

If Rush doesn’t show consistency this season, the Pacers could change a lot with the rotation at shooting guard. If Rush does in fact struggle, I expect George being the full-time starter very very soon. However, Dunleavy hasn’t been all that bad. If he continues to improve coming back from injury, he can seriously show that dominant 2007-form.

But right now, Indiana is going to see what Rush is going to be made of.

ESPN’s John Hollinger thinks Rush has it in him to become one of the best shooting guards in the league. But the consistency is the key to success for No. 25:

"As I pointed out at the end of last season, Rush may be the worst player ever to lead his team in minutes, posting a sub-10 PER for a second straight season. At times you wondered whether he was so invisible that the coaches forgot to take him out. There’s some talent hiding, however. Rush nailed 41.1 percent of his 3s, is a solid defender who was third at his position in blocks per minute and possesses NBA athleticism. Alas, his in-game Houdini acts are legendary. Only four shooting guards had a lower usage rate, and only three drew fouls less often. Rush has the ability to be a very solid player, but he’s 25 and he still isn’t any good. His offseason may offer a hint as to why — Rush will open the season with a five-game suspension for a violation of the league’s substance-abuse policy."

I wish the best of luck to Brandon Rush in his 2010-11 season debut. Do some good, my man!