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Should Harrison Barnes reclaim his starting spot from Brandon Rush?

By Paul Matli

Jan 8, 2016; Portland, OR, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Harrison Barnes (40) posts up on Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard (0) during the fourth quarter at the Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Craig Mitchelldyer-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 8, 2016; Portland, OR, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Harrison Barnes (40) posts up on Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard (0) during the fourth quarter at the Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Craig Mitchelldyer-USA TODAY Sports /
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Brandon Rush or Harrison Barnes? Who should start at small forward for the Golden State Warriors?

It’s an easy answer: Barnes. Rush has filled in admirably for the Warriors while Barnes was out due to an ankle injury, but Barnes is the better player and should be starting for the Warriors in the next week.

The Warriors have a good thing going with Rush starting, however, as long as Stephen Curry and Draymond Green are playing it doesn’t matter who the other three starters are. They are just cogs in Curry’s offense.

Barnes was playing the best basketball of his career before he injured his ankle against the Phoenix Suns. Barnes was the starting small forward and backup power forward with the Warriors’ bench unit. Barnes won several games early in the season because of his clutch shot-making and defense.

Dec 25, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) shoots over Golden State Warriors forward Brandon Rush (4) in the first half of a NBA basketball game on Christmas at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 25, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) shoots over Golden State Warriors forward Brandon Rush (4) in the first half of a NBA basketball game on Christmas at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /

Rush started the season slow, but has picked it up recently. Rush is back to what he was in 2011 when he made 45.2 percent of his three-pointers. Rush has been a revelation regardless of whether he starts or comes off the bench.

Rush’s emergence makes the Warriors more versatile. He and Barnes can play together along with Andre Iguodala and Shaun Livingston when the Warriors go small. This makes the Warriors second unit extremely lethal when they have a healthy Festus Ezeli in the middle.

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The Warriors won’t beat the San Antonio Spurs or Cleveland Cavaliers with Rush starting. Barnes is the Warriors best small forward and will be starting again in due time. If Walton keeps riding with Rush it will eventually cost him. As good as Rush has been, he’s feasting on terrible defensive teams. Against an elite team like the Cavaliers, Rush was not effective.

Barnes makes the Warriors better on defense and on offense. He’s always been an underrated defender, and has developed into a knockdown shooter on the corner threes, and is money posting up smaller players in the post.

Rush does not do these things as effectively as Barnes. Walton allowing Rush to play early in the season is the biggest reason why Rush is playing so well now. He was able to gain confidence throughout the season. Even though Barnes will replace him, there’s no question Rush will remain confident based on how he’s playing now.

Barnes returning from his injury is key for the Warriors as he is one of their most important players. Rush used the Barnes injury as a way to step in and earn his spot back in the rotation. The Rush and Barnes combo will continue to be trouble for opposing teams as long as both guys are healthy.

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