National Basketball Association

James Ennis has potential to be the spark plug the Memphis Grizzlies need

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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After a brief stint with the Memphis Grizzlies and a breakout stretch with the New Orleans Pelicans last year, James Ennis is out to prove that he belongs in the NBA.

Last season, James Ennis was an afterthought in a trade that landed Mario Chalmers. As a 6’7″ wing with a 6’11.5″ wingspan, Ennis has the tools to be a quality 3-and-D wing in this league. After a lackluster stint with the Grizzlies, he displayed 3-and-D potential with the Pelicans. Now, under former Miami Heat assistant Dave Fizdale, he is looking to prove that he deserves a spot in the rotation for a playoff contender.

Late-season spurt

The only team that dealt with as many injuries as the Memphis Grizzlies last season was the New Orleans Pelicans. After losing Tyreke Evans, Jrue Holiday and Anthony Davis to injury, many players had the chance to prove themselves. No one relished this opportunity more than James Ennis.

In nine games with the New Orleans Pelicans, James Ennis averaged 15.9 points, 1.3 steals and 2.7 3-pointers at a 48.0 percent clip. He scored double-digits points in all but one game. In addition, in his final two games, he scored 28 and 29 points and was 11-for-19 from 3-point land.

In this video, Ennis displayed the ability to drill 3s even with a defender in his face. He, also, showed a knack of getting to the goal and drawing contact.

Though it is a small sample size, James Ennis proved that he can be a rotation-caliber player for a NBA team.

How James Ennis fits in with the Memphis Grizzlies

James Ennis landed a 2-year, $6,000,000 contract with the Memphis Grizzlies. After being a non-factor under Dave Joerger, he will receive a second chance with Dave Fizdale, an assistant with the Heat during Ennis’ rookie year.

This year’s Grizzlies team lacks a spark plug off the bench. The past few years, the Grizzlies have relied on Jeff Green and Mario Chalmers for that firepower off the pine . Now, James Ennis has a chance to be a quality sixth man for a team that needs youth and athleticism.

His 3-point shooting and defensive versatility could unlock many possibilities for the Memphis Grizzlies. With his wingspan and athleticism, he can guard positions 2-4. The Grizzlies could form a lineup where he and Chandler Parsons are on the wings alongside Mike Conley, Zach Randolph and Marc Gasol. With a 6’7″ Ennis and 6’10” Parsons on the wings, there would be plenty of length and shooting on the perimeter.

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James Ennis could play his natural position at the small forward, shifting Parsons to a “small-ball 4” role. If Ennis could establish himself as a versatile defender, he could unlock the most athletic possible lineup for the Grizzlies by becoming a “small-ball 4” himself.

James Ennis could be the most reliable 3-and-D wing off the bench since Quincy Pondexter. His potential, production in New Orleans and relationship with Coach Fizdale could pay off for the Memphis Grizzlies. Hopefully fans at the FedEx Forum can see Ennis pull out some highlight reel dunks like this one!