Meeting The Heat’s New Additions

Dec 6, 2012; Syracuse, NY, USA; Long Beach State 49ers guard/forward James Ennis (11) dribbles the ball up court during the second half against the Syracuse Orange at the Carrier Dome. Syracuse defeated Long Beach State 84-53. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports

James Ennis, Small Forward/Shooting Guard:

“The Prince of Perth” (as nicknamed by the Miami Herald’s Joseph Goodman, which needs to be on a T-shirt, ASAP!) took his talents Down Under and averaged 22 ppg and 7 rpg, on 48% shooting for the Perth Wildcats of the National Basketball League, the top basketball league of Australia, during the 2013-14 season. Now he makes his return stateside, as somebody looking to pick up minutes in the Heat’s rotation. In six Summer League games, Ennis went for 14.8 ppg, 5.6 rbg on 51% shooting, so his shooting stroke got past customs.

As the roster currently stands, he might get that chance. Although a small forward, he could see some time behind Wade at the shooting guard position, assuming Miami doesn’t bring back Ray Allen, acquire another guard, or continue toying with the Chalmers/Cole backcourt that Spoelstra relied upon over the course of last season.

He’ll be held by the hand, as he makes his adjustment to the faster NBA. But there’s potential for Ennis to be a solid rotation contributor, filling the role that Michael Beasley failed to do.

That’s 11 total players. Justin Hamilton, who barely got playing time last season, will probably be the developmental third center, so he gets a roster spot. With three spots remaining, the Heat will surely target another shooting guard. In a perfect world, Allen comes back for another season, but it looks like he’ll most likely join the Cavaliers. Beasley might come back, as he’s familiar with the system and is freakishly athletic; that’s something the Heat can use.

The Southeast Division has also seen some changes, as the Wizards have added Paul Pierce, while the new-look Hornets have brought in the aforementioned Stephenson to help with their offensive firepower, so that won’t be the cakewalk it has been for the Heat the last four years.

But if there’s one thing we know for sure, even when the sailing isn’t all that smooth, the Miami Heat tend to overcome the storm.