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Memphis Grizzlies: The shooting guard dilemma

By Parker Fleming

Nov 2, 2016; Memphis, TN, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Tony Allen (9) sits on the bench during the first half against the New Orleans Pelicans at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 2, 2016; Memphis, TN, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Tony Allen (9) sits on the bench during the first half against the New Orleans Pelicans at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 2, 2016; Memphis, TN, USA; Memphis Grizzlies forward James Ennis (8) celebrates during the second half against the New Orleans Pelicans at FedExForum. Memphis Grizzlies beats the New Orleans Pelicans in overtime 93-89. Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 2, 2016; Memphis, TN, USA; Memphis Grizzlies forward James Ennis (8) celebrates during the second half against the New Orleans Pelicans at FedExForum. Memphis Grizzlies beats the New Orleans Pelicans in overtime 93-89. Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports /

James Ennis

Why the Memphis Grizzlies should start him

The Memphis Grizzlies have simply been better with Ennis on the court. While his PER is only 13.2, his offensive rating is 116. In addition, he’s averaging 10.4 points (with a shooting slash of 44.7/36.7/80.8) and 6.1 rebounds.

James Ennis does a lot of little things on the court. He uses his athleticism to crash the board. He has the size and speed to handle the opposing team’s best perimeter wing or their point guard. The Memphis Grizzlies experienced success with Quincy Pondexter and Jeff Green guarding a start point guard. James Ennis has the skill set to do the same thing.

If Ennis is on the court with the best players, he and the Memphis Grizzlies could excel in the Western Conference.

Why the Memphis Grizzlies shouldn’t start him

The Memphis Grizzlies need something off the bench. It’s unfair to rely on a 35-year-old Zach Randolph and a 39-year-old Vince Carter to carry the second unit. Adding James Ennis gives the Grizzlies the youthful spark that Wade Baldwin and Andrew Harrison aren’t supplying.

Against the Bucks, fans saw a glimpse of what Parsons/Ennis looked like on the wing. While it’s unfair to judge defense based on a performance against a basketball unicorn like Giannis Antetokounmpo, Ennis still got worked. He’s a solid defender, yet his defensive prowess is nowhere near Tony Allen’s level.

No matter what his role is, #WeEnnis.

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