Houston Rockets: James Ennis is just what the doctor ordered

The Houston Rockets have found a suitable replacement for Trevor Ariza by signing James Ennis to a two-year pact. What’s going on with him? Let’s dive.

The Houston Rockets are back in the swing of things with their first preseason game now in the books. You know what, I’m thrilled to see Houston Rockets basketball back again as it’s an excellent alternative to watching the Houston Texans, who have continued to disappoint despite snapping a nine-game losing streak dating back to last season.

If it weren’t for the Houston Astros success throughout the season, the Houston Rockets would’ve been all fans would look forward to in terms of solace from that underachieving team that claims they’re playing for something. I heard that practices actually go on at their facility on Kirby Drive! Wow!

With enough banter aside, the Houston Rockets look like they haven’t missed a beat and have taken a step forward in their 131-115 win over the Memphis Grizzlies while playing in front of a sold-out exhibition game crowd in Birmingham, Ala.

The offense is slick, the defense is stout and — gasp — Carmelo Anthony is actually moving without the ball and making good selections with his shots. If all it took was to get Chris Paul, James Harden and Melo to play together for him to “buy-in” into this system, this assembly should’ve happened YEARS AGO.

But timing is everything and the nature of the aforementioned contracts were able to align just right so that they could be reunited. It’s awesome to even fathom that we have at least half of the Banana Boat brothers on this roster! Let me tell you — I’m here for this and it’s time to get your popcorn ready!

But let me tell you about James Ennis. There were some slight concerns on if the Houston Rockets would be able to find a suitable replacement for Trevor Ariza. But after watching last

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night’s game, I don’t think it will be much of one at all.

I saw a man that was motivated on defense last night and I feel that he’s highly-underrated. He gets back quick in transition, typically stays in front of his assignments and is in constant attack-mode. You can’t coach that, it’s something that’s innate that comes from within and I think he’s just what the doctor ordered for the Houston Rockets.

He also has a relatively inexpensive contract — he signed a two-year, $3.5 million pact in the off season.

I do feel that he should start for the team at the small forward position with Carmelo Anthony or P.J. Tucker coming off the bench to give him a rest. He’s just as a good of a starter as he is a finisher. This team honestly doesn’t need him to score but to be available when open and to be able to convert transition buckets which is certainly the key for his success in Mike D’Antoni‘s system.

He just has to be careful not to take the bait and pick up quick, ticky-tack, senseless fouls which was certainly the case last night. Ennis did disqualify himself by fouling out of the game and that’s a big no-no when you’re a professional. This team is counting on him to be there when needed and that simply cannot happen.

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Ennis had eight points, three rebounds and two steals off 3-for-5 shooting from the field and nailing one from behind-the-arc in last night’s contest.

With just one preseason game in, I’m ready to sit back and watch more of the James Ennis Show as I think we will not be disappointed.

Here’s to a terrific Houston Rockets season!

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