As of lately, James Ennis has been excluded from the Grizzlies’ rotation. But after last night’s loss, David Fizdale needs to find a place for Ennis.
Here’s one thing every Grizzly fan can agree on: King James needs to be back in the rotation. We’re not talking about LeBron James. We’re talking about none other than James Ennis the Third.
Coach David Fizdale may just be toying with the lineup and seeing what works best for this struggling Memphis Grizzlies team. However, it’s hard to see Fizz forming a long-term rotation with James Ennis in the fold.
After the loss to Brooklyn, Fizdale complained about speed on the defensive side of the ball.
Well hello there, Fizdale. You have one of our best perimeter defenders on the bench who happens to be young and athletic.
In Fizdale’s defense, the wing position is crowded, and it’s hard to find minutes for everyone.
Ennis Starting at Shooting Guard?
Let’s be honest for a second. Tony Allen isn’t the same player he used be on defense and still brings very little, if anything at all, to the table on offense.
So, why not start Ennis next to Chandler Parsons and bring Tony Allen off the bench? Unlike Tony Allen, he’s an offensive threat, ranking second in three-point field goal percentage, only behind none other than Mike Conley.
Tony Allen would still have a role on this team, and he would bring a new, defensive dimension to the Grizzlies’ bench. With Tony coming off the
Memphis Grizzlies
bench, they would have another veteran guy on the bench next to Zach Randolph in the second unit.
Ennis is a great perimeter defender who would help Chandler Parsons tremendously as he’s still recovering from injury. On the offensive end, for this season at least, Parsons may be nothing more than a perimeter threat as well. Ennis would be a great addition next to Parsons because of his ability to drive to the basket.
Who’s to say if Ennis had a consistent role at the shooting guard position he couldn’t average 12 points, five rebounds and three assists?
Ennis: A Younger, More Versatile Option
Though he’s defying Father Time, Vince Carter is 40 years old. He’s going to get worn down easily.
Ennis is a much more younger and versatile option as well.
With Parsons coming back from injury, it’s hard to say that Vince Carter is the forward presence you want on the floor. Ennis could be that guy the Grizzlies need as Parsons gets back to full strength. In doing so, he can take pressure off the whole team.
Vince Carter currently plays about 24 minutes a game. Could you not cut that down some to find some minutes for Ennis?
With Ennis, The Hustle Never Stops
Lastly, James Ennis puts it all out on the floor every night. If that isn’t Memphis, then I don’t know what is.
This is why you win. Cause when gettin killed in a 3rd qtr, guys like @JamesDa_Truth are doin this pic.twitter.com/SJj1m5rp2V
— Chris Vernon (@ChrisVernonShow) January 7, 2017
When you have a guy diving for lose balls in an annihilation, he deserves to be on the floor.
Next: All-Star Break Review: James Ennis
Final Remarks
None of us know what Fizdale’s plan is, but James Ennis needs to be included in it somewhere.
I love you Fiz, but find Ennis some minutes. Please.