Detroit Pistons season review: Forward James Ennis III

James Ennis III was brought along to help fill the void on the bench for the Detroit Pistons. He didn’t play as well as many expected when coming to Detroit.

James Ennis III was brought over to the Detroit Pistons from the Memphis Grizzlies around the trade deadline this past season.

Ennis III was originally drafted by the Atlanta Hawks in the 2013 draft. He was the 50th overall selection. Since then, he’s been a bit of a journeyman in the league.

He played on four different teams in five years. It was really easy to see why he hasn’t been able to stick with one team.

Ennis doesn’t really do anything that well. He’ll score some points off the bench here and there. He will play average defense and grab a couple rebounds.

That really isn’t meant to be a knock towards him. Ennis is 6’7 and 210 pounds and plays small forward. He doesn’t have the build to really establish himself as an elite player at his position.

Ennis also doesn’t seem to know what kind of game he wants to have in this league. It felt like he took a lot unnecessary long-range shots when he was much better at getting to the basket.

CHICAGO, IL – APRIL 11: James Ennis III #33 of the Detroit Pistons shoots the ball against the Chicago Bulls on April 11, 2018 at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Gary Dineen/NBAE via Getty Images) /

James Ennis III wasn’t the right fit

When you’re a role player, it’s important to live within your boundaries. Ennis struggled to do that.

He finished his 27 games with the Pistons averaging 7.6 points per game and 2.5 rebounds per game.

He shot just 30 percent from three-point range. That was the lowest clip of his career with any team. Ennis is set to be an unrestricted free agent as we go into next season.

To be fair, he was brought into a scenario where there was a lot of pressure to perform. This Pistons were in the middle of a playoff race at that point.

The Memphis Grizzlies were in the middle of a rebuilding season. That could have had something to do with Ennis under-performing after joining the Pistons.

Hopefully James Ennis III can make his next destination his home.

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