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NBA Free Agency 2018: 5 offseason targets for the Oklahoma City Thunder

By Jerry Christodoulatos

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK - APRIL 25: Paul George #13 of the Oklahoma City Thunder brings the ball up court as Joe Ingles #2 of the Utah Jazz applies pressure during game 5 of the Western Conference playoffs at the Chesapeake Energy Arena on April 25, 2018 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. 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 J Pat Carter/Getty Images)
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK - APRIL 25: Paul George #13 of the Oklahoma City Thunder brings the ball up court as Joe Ingles #2 of the Utah Jazz applies pressure during game 5 of the Western Conference playoffs at the Chesapeake Energy Arena on April 25, 2018 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. 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 J Pat Carter/Getty Images) /
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Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Chris Schwegler/NBAE via Getty Images)
Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Chris Schwegler/NBAE via Getty Images) /

4. James Ennis

Though he’s far from being a household name, James Ennis would really help this Thunder team. Unfortunately for OKC though, Ennis would almost certainly have to be a replacement for Paul George. He’s not going to be available for the league minimum. You don’t just sign Ennis the Menace for nothing. That’s right, his nickname is Ennis the Menace and quite frankly we don’t hear it often enough. If he’s not a perfect guy to pair with Russell Westbrook then I don’t know who is.

With Andre Roberson coming off of a ruptured patella, Ennis could soak up 20-25 minutes per game on the wing, providing solid play on both ends of the floor. Though he’s not in the same ballpark as Roberson on the defensive end, teams actually have to guard Ennis on offense!  Adding that kind of player would be a big deal for a team that so often faces periods of offensive stagnancy.

After flashing a nice touch from 3-point range in the 2016-2017 season for the Grizzlies, Ennis shot 33% from beyond the arc last year. That’s a troubling sign. But he played on the hapless Grizzlies and the moribund Pistons in 2018, not exactly the most dynamic offenses in the NBA.  On a team with more weapons he could be a really useful role player. For years, the Thunder have sought out a reliable fifth player with two-way pedigree that can finish games for them on a consistent basis.  James Ennis isn’t the consummate 3-and-D player, but he’s a passable simulacrum.

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