Aside from being new to the system there are 2 things I see which are key problems. 1) He fouls too much. And I knew this was an issue going in. And it is doubled down now with the freedom of movement rules 2) He isn't strong in the post. This was new to me. This is also where Ariza shined for the Rockets. When Ennis gets switched onto a C or PF they seem to over power him in the post. (whereas guys like Harden and Gordon stand their ground). Keep watching this.
Defense definitely hasn't looked great, but I'm not sure you can put the blame all on one guy (or losing one guy, for that matter). I think we're just going way too small, honestly. Gave up 60+ points in the paint, got out-rebounded by 14 last night. Perimeter defense isn't our biggest issue.
LMM looked just fine last night. what game were you watching. he did a little bit of everything he was doing here pre injury
I have to say thus far..... James Ennis IS NOWHERE CLOSE!!!!!! to even being 1/4th the player Ariza was for us. Not impressed at all!! He shouldn’t be starting!!
I watched the game last night where he only played 17 minutes, scored 8 points, 2 rebounds, and 1 assist. Very similar stats to Ennis. Like I said, "he didn't look all that great". What game were you watching? Or is that greatness to you? LOL
just like what he gave hou pre injury like my post said. and even put the clamps down on melo. or was he supposed to score like 20 pts for you to be amazed
To early to bash / give up on him / etc - BUT. I strongly agree that he gets blown by on the perimeter like few wing defenders I've ever seen. He has shown absolutely no ability to contain someone on the outside, which is exactly what Ariza's strength was. He has to work on that part of his game. And everyone on the team needs to focus on rebounding.
Inside: he has weak upper body, too easy to push around outside: he has slow first step, too late to guard a shooter. It can't be "repaired". Trade him to a playoffs team. He is not a quality starter for a championship team.
This reminds me of the FIRST time Ariza was in Houston - good player placed in a role because of circumstances that he had no chance at. Remember when they tried to make Ariza a facilitator and it was an absolute disaster because he dribbled off his shoe every other play? 2nd time he came back to Houston he was placed in a role he DID have the skill set to succeed in. I think Ennis was meant to be the Luc replacement(agree that the shoulder injury was going to hold Luc back moving forward) but because we struck out on replacing Ariza we have forced him to be a primary defender against starting NBA wings and he is clearly not ready for that role. Don't get too down on Ennis - we just need a true starting defensive SF so he can assume the role he was brought here to play rather than the one we slotted him because we dont have any more options.
I haven't seen the comments but it is pretty evident that this poster is spot on IMO. He just doesn't have the lateral quickness to be even an average defender and is absurdly physical. I really think our worst fears are being realized. We need a true 3 and D player starting at the 3 and as of now, we definitely do not have one on the roster. I am starting to think Gordon needs to start instead of Ennis. If Ennis can't play good, solid defense then he really has no role on this team even off the bench. Would rather play Gerald Green since his defense seems to be just as crappy as Ennis from what I have seen so far.
should have kept Luc IMO, Ariza and Luc, you know what you are going to get. The random min contract we picked up cannot be relied upon
Freedom of movement is killing him. I wonder what that's doing to his psyche. (i.e. how much he's able to do in the post) Could be why he's getting bullied so easily or maybe he really is just that weak.
