Houston Rockets: 3 goals for James Ennis in 2018-19
1. Provide Rockets with versatility on defense
In an offseason where the Rockets lost both Ariza and Mbah a Moute in free agency, it was important that Houston acquired a defensive wing player on the open market. The Rockets needed someone who could defend and fit seamlessly within their overall scheme, where players are asked to switch almost every screen and account for opposing guards on the perimeter.
This is a skill that James Ennis currently possesses, as the former Long Beach State star is a solid on-ball defender, and has a strong familiarity with Rockets assistant coach Jeff Bzdelik’s switch-heavy scheme dating back to his time in Memphis.
Now, Ennis is getting himself prepared for the season ahead, as the journeyman who has worked his way from overseas to the NBA looks forward to showing how much he knows about Houston’s defense this coming season.
"“I’m going to get it right away,” Ennis said to Jonathan Feigen of the Houston Chronicle when asked about the demands of picking the Rockets defensive schemes up last month. “I love how physical they are. I definitely know how they talk and rotate. It’s going to be fun.”"
Although Ennis has struggled going toe-to-toe against quicker and faster opposing players out on the perimeter, the former NBL standout is known for using his physicality to get into the body of players who seek to operate and create behind the 3-point line.
Ennis is a player who is capable of guarding multiple positions, and has displayed a willingness to defend the opposing team’s primary option whenever called upon.
Should Ennis manage to be effective for the Rockets at this end of the floor, then he would provide the team with yet another added edge, as having a strong knowledge of Bzedlik’s principles could help the newcomer make a seamless transition from the Motor City to H-Town.