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James Ennis sucks on defense.

Discussion in 'Houston Rockets: Game Action & Roster Moves' started by bmd, Oct 21, 2018.

  1. Deuce

    Deuce Context & Nuance

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    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.
     
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  2. JVL713

    JVL713 Member

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    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.
     
  3. YOLO

    YOLO Member

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    LMM looked just fine last night. what game were you watching. he did a little bit of everything he was doing here pre injury
     
  4. pass_to_Hakeem

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    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!!
     
  5. smp

    smp Member

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    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
     
  6. YOLO

    YOLO Member

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    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
     
  7. REEKO_HTOWN

    REEKO_HTOWN I'm Rich Biiiiaaatch!

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    so he's gonna magically be a better defender soon?
     
  8. napalm06

    napalm06 Huge Flopping Fan

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    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.
     
  9. BigBum

    BigBum Member

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    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.
     
  10. Ziggy

    Ziggy QUEEN ANON

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    He's not getting better guys. Dude is SLOW. No getting around it. He's limited. Capped. NEXT.
     
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  11. glimmertwins

    glimmertwins Member

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    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.
     
  12. BigBum

    BigBum Member

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    Start Melo please!

    In 99% probability. you can't expect 50th pick overall to be a starter.
     
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  13. jakedasnake

    jakedasnake Member

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    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.
     
  14. apollo33

    apollo33 Member

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    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
     
  15. BigBum

    BigBum Member

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    Without Gordon in the bench, we don't have firepower or chemistry.

    Start Melo please!
     
  16. Red Chocolate

    Red Chocolate Member

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    Ennis was +13 in his last game
    Ariza a -35

    Sample Size Sample Size Roar Roar Roar
     
  17. onreego

    onreego Member

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    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.
     
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  18. mac_got_this

    mac_got_this Member

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    Gerald Green to the starting lineup is a good move. I don’t mind him launching 8 three pointers
     
  19. BigBum

    BigBum Member

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    He is weaker than Melo in defense.

    Start Melo please!
     
  20. BigBum

    BigBum Member

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    We have not used 5 million MLE yet.
     

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