NBA Season Preview 2018-19: 10 players who will take the leap this season

LOS ANGELES, CA - APRIL 07: Tobias Harris #34 of the Los Angeles Clippers controls the ball during the game against the Denver Nuggets at Staples Center on April 7, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. 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 Josh Lefkowitz/Getty Images) /

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DETROIT, MI – MARCH 24: James Ennis III #33 of the Detroit Pistons goes up for a dunk against the Chicago Bulls on March 24, 2018 at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Michigan. 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 Brian Sevald/NBAE via Getty Images) /

4. James Ennis III

After losing to the Warriors in the conference finals, the Rockets revamped their team by choosing to let Trevor Ariza and Mbah a Moute walk and acquiring Carmelo Anthony and James Ennis III. The loss of Ariza and Mbah a Moute hurts the Rockets’ ability to switch everything defensively and defend dynamic small forwards such as Kevin Durant, who averaged over 30 points per game in the conference finals against Houston.

Anthony has not shown much desire to play defense over the last few seasons, so it is natural to assume that Ennis will get a decent amount of playing time, as he is an athletic swingman who has shown flashes as a solid 3-and-D player.

Ennis is a career 36 percent 3-point shooter and is on his fifth team in five years. If he can play consistent defense and hit 3-point shots at an efficient rate, Ennis will establish himself as a key piece of a team that many expect to be a title contender.

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