6 Free Agents The Warriors Should Consider Signing

Nov 5, 2013; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Utah Jazz shooting guard

(25) fouls Brooklyn Nets power forward

(30) during the first quarter at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports

Brandon Rush

Mention Brandon Rush around Warriors’ fans and they might reach out and pour out a 40. Rush was one of the “what-ifs” for an up-and-coming Warriors’ franchise. He crafted a name for himself as a premier 3-and-D player, a defensive stopper who could contend with the superstar small forwards of the league, and run down the court to sink a cold-blooded three.

Unfortunately, it all went downhill with that ACL tear.

Rush has struggled since to even get back on the court. He played 38 games last season with the Utah Jazz after being traded to make room for the Igoudala trade; none of them were starts. The once gaudy shooting numbers have now dropped to 33% field goal percentage, and 34% on 3-point attempts. However, keep in mind that this was a Utah team that struggled mightily in the league, and was bereft of offensive options in the second unit.

It is my belief that Rush could be obtained on a veteran’s minimum. He has proven before his injury that he has a pedigree as a sharpshooter. His shooting mechanics are sound, and while he may have lost athleticism due to his torn ACL, his recent decline can be attributed to a lack of playing options and playing on a struggling team rather than a loss in talent. Perhaps under the tutelage of one of the best NBA shooters of all-time (Steve Kerr), Rush might be able to regain his shooting touch and provide timely scoring from the bench.

Rush will not be sought after by many teams in the offseason, and he has already expressed that he might have to work out for teams for opportunities to play. He should be attainable through the veteran’s minimum, and his health risk may present a gamble. But at that price range, what’s there to lose?