Houston Rockets: 4 players that have something to prove

3 of 5

DETROIT, MI – MARCH 9: James Ennis III #33 of the Detroit Pistons celebrates a three point shot during the first half of the game against the Chicago Bulls at Little Caesars Arena on March 9, 2018 in Detroit, Michigan. Detroit defeated Chicago 99-83. 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 (Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Images) /

3. James Ennis

James Ennis has been a journey man throughout his career, having played on four different teams in four seasons. Barring injuries, Ennis has usually come off of the bench for his teams, but he could find himself starting on a championship contender this season.

After the departures of Trevor Ariza and Luc Mbah a Moute, Ennis and P.J. Tucker will share the responsibility of guarding the opposing team’s best perimeter players. Ennis has shown that he can play solid defense, but he’s probably not on the same level as Mbah a Moute.

But that’s not it. We’re going to see Ennis shoot more 3-pointers than he ever has in his career, as he told The Athletic’s Alykhan Bijani.

“Coach D’Antoni told me in the meeting that if I don’t shoot double or have a career year in 3-point attempts then he’s gonna bench me. He wants me to shoot as many threes as possible.”

Ennis’s career-high for minutes is just 23.5 per game, but that will probably go up next season. The Rockets need to be great on defense in order to contend, and in order to be great defensively they’ll need Ennis on the floor. But in order for Ennis to stay on the floor, he has to knock down open 3-pointers, which he’ll see a lot of as the opposing defense will naturally gravitate towards James Harden, Chris Paul and Clint Capela.

Hopefully, Ennis can take the next step and help the Rockets reach the NBA Finals.

Next: No. 2