Signing James Ennis
In a move that was made just days following Luc Mbah A Moute’s decision to re-join the Clippers, the Rockets quickly responded by adding another defensive wing on the open market to replace him, signing forward James Ennis to a two-year, $4.3 million deal on July 11.
Ennis — who is set to join his fifth organization in his five-year career — averaged 7.1 points and 3.1 rebounds per game through 72 outings with the Memphis Grizzlies and Detroit Pistons last season, while shooting 47.4 percent from the field.
Although the signing Ennis The Menace was far from flashy, Houston’s front office can take pride in knowing that it was able to land a proven role player on a minimum salary deal.
In addition to also fulfilling what was a glaring need in the process, the former Long Beach State standout comes to the Rockets in the prime of his career having less than 5,000 minutes played in the NBA.
On a team that will give him the best chance to play to his strengths, as finding a way to flourish in the Rockets system could very well be what the doctor ordered for Ennis to put together his finest season to date.
Since coming into the league, the 28-year-old has worked diligently to become a viable 3-and-D player on the wing, shooting nearly 36 percent from downtown in his career.
He has also taken on the challenge of guarding multiple positions , as Ennis provides Houston with someone who can produce at a moderately similar level to Ariza and Mbah a Moute, only at a younger age and lower price tag.
Should he find a way to live up to the hype and outperform his contract, then there is a possibility that he could seek to reap the benefits of his labor on the open market next summer, as playing alongside of Harden and Paul will certainly help him find more clean looks than ever before.
Helping Morey’s gamble pay off in the long run.
Grade: B+