James Ennis
By: Ryan Callahan
James Ennis III was one of the Sixers’ two playable bench pieces in last year’s playoffs. That’s why it was of utmost importance for the Sixers to re-sign him in the offseason, so his return on a team-friendly deal was rightfully rejoiced (at least by me).
Ennis has appeared in all 35 of the Sixers’ games and has been one of the most consistent players off of the bench in both minutes and performance. Ennis’ New Year’s Resolution should be to increase his offensive output, especially from behind the arc.
Through Dec. 30, Ennis is averaging 6.8 points in 17.6 minutes per game, which ranks seventh on the team and right around his career average. He also kept true to his summer promise of becoming a better shooter and is shooting 37 percent from three on 2.5 attempts per game, a significant improvement from his 30 percent mark last season. Although his numbers are solid, they are less than what the team needs right now, especially from three.
The Sixers own the Association’s eighth-best three-point percentage, but are 26th in attempts per game. To partially ease some of the Sixers’ spacing and shooting woes, Ennis needs to increase his shooting prowess when the ball drops on Jan. 1.