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Report: Magic FA James Ennis Drawing Interest from 'Several Postseason Contenders'
July 25, 2021
James Ennis III may have the opportunity to play for a contender during the 2021-22 campaign after he was a member of the 21-51 Orlando Magic in 2020-21.
Shams Charania of The Athletic reported the veteran "is expected to receive interest from several postseason contenders" in free agency after he turned heads this past season by connecting on 43.3 percent of his three-pointers.
Ennis, 31, has been a journeyman throughout his career, which includes stops with the Miami Heat, Memphis Grizzlies, New Orleans Pelicans, Detroit Pistons, Houston Rockets, Philadelphia 76ers and Magic on his resume.
He isn't the type of addition who will define an offseason during free agency, but he is a solid role player who could help those contenders as they battle for playoff spots.
The Long Beach State product averaged 8.4 points, 4.0 rebounds, 1.5 assists and 0.8 steals in 24.0 minutes per game this past season.
His perimeter shooting immediately stands out, especially for those reportedly interested contenders who surely have marquee players who attract defensive attention and create open looks for wing players.
Ennis' ability to knock those shots down all while playing solid defense makes him more valuable. Opponents shot 0.9 percent worse than their normal averages in 2020-21 when he guarded them, per NBA.com.
It wouldn't be a surprise to see an impressive shooter with defensive versatility sign early in free agency.