NBA: One breakout candidate for every team heading into 2018-19

NBA Dallas Mavericks Dennis Smith Jr. (Photo by Ron Jenkins/Getty Images)
NBA Dallas Mavericks Dennis Smith Jr. (Photo by Ron Jenkins/Getty Images)
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LOS ANGELES, CA – NOVEMBER 16: James Ennis #8 of the Memphis Grizzlies drives to the basket on Luc Mbah a Moute #12 of the LA Clippers during the first half at Staples Center on November 16, 2016 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 Harry How/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA – NOVEMBER 16: James Ennis #8 of the Memphis Grizzlies drives to the basket on Luc Mbah a Moute #12 of the LA Clippers during the first half at Staples Center on November 16, 2016 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 Harry How/Getty Images)

Houston Rockets

James Ennis

After losing Trevor Ariza this past summer, the Houston Rockets are going to need a player that is willing to do all the dirty work he did for this team. It’s one of the biggest reasons why the Rockets were so successful last season.

Despite his talent, I simply don’t believe Carmelo Anthony will be able to fill the void that Ariza left. Will he still be valuable to Houston? Absolutely, especially if he embraces a sixth man role. However, he can’t be the glue guy that Ariza was. I simply don’t see it, especially on the defensive end.

That where James Ennis comes in. Ennis can hit the 3, play defense and do all the dirty work that not every big name players likes to do. I see him flourishing on this team, littered by talent. All he has to do is play his role. That’s perfect for a player like Ennis.