The start of the NBA season is rapidly approaching, and the Golden State Warriors have a lot of new players to work into the fold this year. Sure, Andrew Bogut is going to be the starting, along with Stephen Curry and David Lee. But one position that may be up for grabs this year is the starting small forward role, which could go to a number of guys on the squad.
Mark Jackson has a tough choice here. Rookie Harrison Barnes could be a good fit, though might need a bit more polishing before getting starters minutes with this club. Brandon Rush has voiced his desire to be the starter, though was a big asset last year as Golden State's sixth man.
Here, CSN Bay Area's Matt Steinmetz makes a case for veteran Richard Jefferson to get the starting job:
I think Jefferson figures in the equation, and could be the starter...That wouldn't be hard to see, considering Rush often provided a spark last year as a leader of the team's second unit. Under that scenario, it makes sense to start Jefferson, who shot 42 percent from 3-point range last season and brings much-needed experience to the team.
Using Jefferson sparingly with ample doses of Rush throughout the game could be a nice 1-2 punch for Golden State, and Barnes will hopefully force his way into more playing time as well.
Mark Jackson will have to see how this plays out before making a final decision. This should prove to be a good competition to watch for in training camp and the preseason.
For more on the Warriors head to Golden State of Mind.
