As we round up our final grades for each player for the Memphis Grizzlies, let’s take a look at how swingman James Ennis performed this season.
The Memphis Grizzlies signed swingman James Ennis this offseason to fill in as their off-the-bench “3-and-D” wing. This role has been planned for many players since the departure of Shane Battier. Guys like DeMarre Carroll, Sam Young and Quincy Pondexter were supposed to fill this role, but they didn’t pan out.
Now, after his first season with the Memphis Grizzlies, James Ennis has shown flashes of the “3-and-D” wing they’ve desired for years.
For the season, he appeared in 64 games and averaged 6.7 points on 37.2 percent shooting from downtown, four rebounds, 0.7 steals and 23.5 minutes per game.
Offense
Offensively, James Ennis was mildly inconsistent. In some games, he provided the Memphis Grizzlies with a much-needed spark, knocking down triples and slashing to the rim. In other games, he just disappeared. The Grizzlies essentially played four-on-five basketball at that point.
While Ennis excels at spot-up shooting and slashing, his ball-handling is average. Because of this, he couldn’t create his own shot off the dribble.
In the 64 games he appeared in, he scored double-digit points in 16 games, never reaching the 20-point mark. The inconsistency could’ve been due to the unexpected promotion to a bigger role due the Parsons’ injuries. In addition, his minutes were sporadic, making it hard for him to develop rhythm and consistency.
He was a nice secondary scorer alongside the “Core 4” at time, but the Grizzlies needed more consistency from him.
If James Ennis wants a larger role on this team next year, he must show that he can create off the dribble and can be a regular contributor.
Offensive Grade: C+
Related Story: Present/Future of the SG Position
Defense
On the defensive end of the court, James Ennis is just as inconsistent. Some games, he provides the Grizzlies with excellent on-ball defense. However, he has a tendency to get “happy hands” and get called for fouls (2.6 fouls per game).
If he didn’t foul so much, he would be a solid defender. Because of his length, speed and athleticism, James Ennis could be the player that makes Tony Allen … expendable.
Wait Tony Allen? Expendable?
Yes, if James Ennis could hone in his defensive skills, he would be an above-average defender. He may not be “First-Team All-Defense,” but Fizdale could definitely put him on the other team’s best players.
Ennis actually got his first taste at the task in the playoffs as he faced up against MVP candidate Kawhi Leonard. When asked if Tony Allen gave him any tips throughout the series, he said:
"He gave me a lot of defensive advice. Just how to guard different players … When to pressure, when not to pressure. Just everybody from Vince to Marc to Mike, [they’re] just good role models right there. Good vets, just to soak it everything they say."
Absorbing all that advice should pay off for James Ennis. Depending on Tony Allen and Vince Carter’s status for next year, we may see a lot more of the Menance.
Defensive Grade: B-
Final Grade: B-
I could’ve gone “C+” but consider this like a 79.6, which rounds up to a “B-“.
This season was definitely a learning experience for James Ennis. Going into the season, he was slated to be Chandler Parsons’ backup. After receiving a heavy amount of minutes in the early part of the season, he bounced in and out of the lineup – due to other players returning to the rotation.
In the playoffs, he was forced into the starting lineup, once again, to replace the defensive stalwart Tony Allen. Ennis capitalized on the opportunity, averaging 8.3 points and 4.2 rebounds. He also defended Kawhi Leonard better than anyone on the team.
Next: Grizz: We Need King James
If Ennis could become more consistent on both ends of the court, he’ll be a valuable piece in the Grizzlies’ rotation next year, and he’ll certainly outplay his $3M salary.
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