Back in late September, following an impressive training camp by James Ennis, ESPN’s Tim MacMahon reported that the Rockets quietly started to believe that Ennis mightn’t be much of a downgrade from Trevor Ariza—if he was one at all. Despite Ennis’ promising camp, this claim was quickly dismissed by critics who heavily valued the steadfast production and professionalism Ariza had brought to the table the previous four years. Then, when the team started 1-5, those critics grew louder.
However, with the Rockets finally hitting their stride and James Ennis fitting right in, it seems as good a time as ever to revisit those muted September whispers.