James Ennis III: X-Factor
James Ennis has the potential to play a large role in the Sixers’ postseason success. Ennis’ role is incredibly simple: shoot and defend. He’ll be the primary sub for J.J. Redick, which makes him an automatic defensive upgrade. The best possible defensive lineup the Sixers can configure would most likely include Ennis.
Ennis has the physical frame to switch positions 1-4. At 6-foot-7, 210 pounds, he provides an element of physicality that few guards on the roster can provide. The Sixers’ defense goes through spurts of excellence and series of incompetence. Ennis isn’t a clamp-down defensive specialist, but he’s an active defender with the athleticism and size to consistently pester guards and wings.
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James Ennis routinely is sent to crash the offensive glass. As a Sixer, he currently averages one offensive rebound per game. Coming up with a handful of offensive rebounds during the postseason could pay huge dividends in determining a series. Don’t forget he’s also a 35 percent shooter from three.
The plays Ennis makes are all momentum-changers; dunks, threes, and rebounds that lead to second chance points. The Sixers haven’t had a real two-way sub for Redick since he’s arrived in Philly. James Ennis has the opportunity to play serious crunch-time minutes.
I’m not here saying James Ennis will play his way into Sixth Man of the Year conversations but he’s capable of moving the needle for a team that has five borderline All-Stars in the starting group.
If the Sixers can expect two threes, two offensive rebounds, and reliable defense from Ennis during the playoffs, it could be one of the first dominoes to fall in their journey to the Eastern Conference crown.