The hype around James Ennis’ rookie season revolves around the swing man’s athleticism and high-flying ability. His jumper has been solid this preseason, too. And he isn’t the negative on defense some feared he would be (though there is still plenty of room to improve). Ennis’ role will be to supply that athleticism for a team that otherwise lacks among its role players. The only problem will be his ball handling, which could hold his athleticism back.

Ennis has shown flashes of great ball handling and, according to Couper Moorhead, those flashes are a result of practice.

“Growing up, everybody used to tell me to be more aggressive,” Ennis said. “I was a pass-first – if I see a guy open that’s where I’m throwing it – that’s just the kind of player that I am. “I like watching point guards pass the ball and I try to imitate that.”

Ennis still has quite a bit of work when it comes to his handles, but his passing isn’t an issue. However, as long as he is a raw ball handler he won’t be able to properly combine his athleticism, shooting and passing skills and become an offensive force of nature.

When dribbling, Ennis still seems somewhat hesitant and his herky-jerky handles are an issue when he is trying to penetrate, especially against guards with fast hands. Handling can be fixed, though, through practice. There are a variety of ball handling drills that coaches use and Ennis should be subject to, such as no-look dribble-pass drills, cone drills, two-hand dribble drills and others. Once this is fixed (or improved) Ennis should get closer to his ceiling.