James Ennis (UPDATE: Will Play in Australia)

[BIRDMAN BIRDMAN]

I know this could go in the off-season thread, but felt to make a thread about him to get more replies and insight to spark some talk and get Heat fans' general view on him.

Seeing Ennis play in both the Orlando and Las Vegas summer leagues, what is Heat Nation's verdict on the kid?

Should Miami keep him and try to develop him further in hopes of becoming a role player after this upcoming season?

Or shall we forget him and search elsewhere instead to fill a spot?

If yes, how could you envision him as part of our team in the future?

Personally, I wouldn't mind keeping him. If we do end up keeping him, I just hope he practices more on his shot because from what I've seen/remember, his 3's aren't that consistent, yet. But with the help of Ray and our staff, that could be fixable no doubt. I think he could be a decent guy in the rotation once Ray/Shane retires.

[Altered_Beast]

tbh honest unless he proves in training camp that he is ready to play decent nba minuts like cole did his rookie season im not ready to keep the guy. as long as the big 3 ae contending we dont need to develop anybody. we need solid vets who are gonna know their role and be professionals. ennis has some game but IMO his spot can be reserved for a veteran guy

[RexBoyWonder]

1) He shot over 40% from 3 in summer league.

2) Too early to tell. Spo will keep close eye on him during training camp, If he won't the roster this year we'll probably send him to our D-league team.

[KingJames0204]

First, i think it depends a lot about what the franchise wants to do, in terms of developing him or getting a vet at his spot that knows the game and wont have too many hiccups.

However, personally I dont see anything that stands out about him. He's a slasher, can hit the three occasionally, and has a decent handle. I dont know how he is defensively, but seeing the fact that he is 6-7 and only weighs 200 lbs, it doesn't bode well for him against NBA caliber talent (200 lbs is like PG, SG weight). So i think its better off sending him to Europe and seeing how he does there.

Another thing i wanted to mention about keeping him as a project is.. im not sure Miami is great place where players are "Developed". I mean the last so called "star" the heat developed was Dwade (and lets face it.. his talent level was off the charts for him not to be a star)... but since then ALL of the draft picks have been very unimpressive to average in terms of development.

[KingJames0204]

1) He shot over 40% from 3 in summer league.

2) Too early to tell. Spo will keep close eye on him during training camp, If he won't the roster this year we'll probably send him to our D-league team.

Even if you send a player to the D-League he is still considered part of your 15 man roster. Unless you cut ties with him completely.

[RexBoyWonder]

^ im not sure that we'll have to give up his rights in that scenario. if we do, Europe it is.

[dolphinatik]

if he significantly improves his handles and hand strength he will be a borderline star player. Those two weaknesses of his really affect his game and his confidence. With solid handles I could see him being a fearless attacker. hand strength will help him finish around the rim, get steals and blocks and rebounds. He does everything else well including off the ball movement. He is a keeper but still a project.

[wallsfamily]

He can shoot!!!! He can also defend the 2 and the 3. When a player is on the floor with Lebron and Wade they are developing while they play. His length will help in the passing lanes and of course he will be open in the corner. Keep him.

[DayofMourning]

Give him Millers regular season minutes-not that there were many of those anyways. I love picking up bargain free agents each year but you have to build from within too. Maybe he can be groomed into a newer version of James Posey.

[Slot Machine]

Of course you keep him. 2nd round picks that can contribute are at a premium in today's NBA. Especially with Ennis' skillset(3+D).

[HEAT_ME_UP]

Quoted from hoopshype::


"Don't look for James Ennis to be playing for the Miami Heat next season. Those close to the situation believe the second-round pick likely will head overseas. And his agent said Monday he's making calls with that in mind. "There's a good chance he'll play overseas (next season)," Scott Nichols said by phone to FOX Sports Florida."

"Nichols said a final decision is expected to be made by the end of the week when he talks further with Heat president Pat Riley. Nichols said he's having discussions with teams in France, Russia, Australia, Italy and Germany about Ennis."

"Nichols said it "was a shock at first" for Ennis when he heard about the possibility of playing abroad for a year. But Nichols said Ennis now understands it could be beneficial. "A lot of young players would love the opportunity to go overseas and then be able to play for the Miami Heat," Nichols said."

[SlowPaced]

We should keep him now that we amnestied Miller.

[Hoopz Afrik]

I honestly believe he could be our Jimmy Butler. Even though he won't make our roster this year, some experience playing overseas can be good for his development and the franchise moving forward. He has very sloppy handles but as mentioned earlier, he doesn't need to create for himself at least in Miami. He can work on the intricacies of his game overseas for a year before making our roster for next season. His set shooting, movement w/o the rock, hustle, and ability to defend will be what makes (not breaks) him here in Miami. With our barrage of perimeter vets, he'd be in an optimal position to learn and to thrive.

[Rock Hardy]

I'm surprised, but it could be a good thing. Pat might have some better players in mind for those final roster spots. It's nice we can stash someone with Ennis' potential overseas if there's no downgrade.

[Heat_Fan_87]

He was never going to see the court and we save money...great move.

[HEAT_ME_UP]

Am pretty sure Pat will fill the point guard position with someone better than Ennis.

[Slot Machine]

Am pretty sure Pat will fill the point guard position with someone better than Ennis.

Ennis is a Small Forward.

[Voice_of_Reason]

Send him to Australia. I may actually go watch one of these horrible games if he is involved.

I voted keeper. Not solely for having him on the roster, just retain his rights and maybe bring him in next year. It would be better for development if played a tonne of basketball, and not just sat on our bench.

[SmushedPennies]

If anyone thinks we should totally dump the kid, you either didn't watch SL or you're crazy. I'm actually pretty bugged he's likely headed overseas. No way he would've been a rotation player this upcoming season, but he could've chipped in for spot minutes, taking advantage of his athleticism and spot-shooting ability. More importantly I'd prefer he'd be around our coaching staff, training facilities, and star players (Ray, Shane, and LeBron in particular strike me as valuable tutors, and this is likely the former two's last season). That would be much better for his development than learning from an Antonio Maclevini (or some foregin guy that really exists). Would even rather have him playing on our now exclusive D-League affiliate.

Ultimately I don't see a player out there who I'd prefer to give any extra wing minutes to over a developing Ennis. Sad stuff, Pat.

[RexBoyWonder]

SmushedPennies is right.

Keep Ennis here - Spot minutes this year, rotation player next year. Let him learn from the best. We need a insurance wing anyway, might as well be a kid with upside.

Give me some Ennis!