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NBA Free Agency 2018: 5 offseason targets for the Denver Nuggets

By Jerry Christodoulatos

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - APRIL 11: Karl-Anthony Towns #32 of the Minnesota Timberwolves defends against Nikola Jokic #15 of the Denver Nuggets during the game on April 11, 2018 at the Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Timberwolves defeated the Nuggets 112-106. 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 Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - APRIL 11: Karl-Anthony Towns #32 of the Minnesota Timberwolves defends against Nikola Jokic #15 of the Denver Nuggets during the game on April 11, 2018 at the Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Timberwolves defeated the Nuggets 112-106. 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 Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Brian Sevald/NBAE via Getty Images)
(Photo by Brian Sevald/NBAE via Getty Images) /

2. James Ennis

James Ennis isn’t the kind of signing that’s going to energize a fan base. Ennis is a G-League success story who had numerous stints with the Iowa Energy (now the Iowa Wolves) before solidifying his place in the NBA. He’s journeyed around the NBA since entering the league during the 2014-2015 season, switching teams five times in four seasons. Ennis the Menace (what a name!) has generally played for lottery teams and lower rung playoff contenders, so he hasn’t gotten much exposure these past few years. But he’s a good player that would fill some major needs for Denver.

Ennis is the kind of two-way wing that this Nuggets roster sorely lacks. He’s 6’7 with a wingspan that’s just a shade under 7 feet long. His measurables are actually quite similar to Will Barton’s, but Ennis is worlds better on defense. At 210 pounds he’s far sturdier than Barton and he can handle most wing players that opposing offenses throw at him.

On the other end of the floor Ennis’ game isn’t especially nuanced. The overwhelming majority of his baskets are assisted and catch and shoot 3-pointers make up a high portion of his shot diet. Ennis is a willing 3-point shooter, although his jumper is shaky at times. During his 2017 tenure  with Memphis, Ennis shot the ball at a 37% conversion rate from deep. That’s slightly above league average level. Last season he shot a markedly worse 33%. On a Denver roster with lots of offensive firepower, Ennis wouldn’t have much of a burden on that end. If he can make shots from beyond the arc at an average rate, he’ll be effective.

Ennis’ market will be interesting this summer. His skill set is in high demand across the league, but he’s not a guy that’s gotten a ton of exposure in high profile games. Is he going to be available for the taxpayer MLE? That’s difficult to say. Aside from the super duper star free agents like LeBron and Paul George, this 2018 class doesn’t have many great options on the wing. That could inflate Ennis’ price tag a bit. If he’s attainable at the taxpayer level or below, the Nuggets should push hard to get him. He would be a nice fit on this roster. Of course, signing Ennis for something like $5 million annually would complicate the Will Barton situation. They might not be able to afford both without paying a big tax bill.

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