Even with Head Coach Jeff Hornacek’s penchant for putting two play-makers on the floor at all times, neither minutes nor a role of great stature are guaranteed. That philosophy applies to everyone, of course, but rookie point guard Tyler Ennis is in an especially large crowd of very productive players at one position.
And that’s just fine by him.
“Anywhere you go in the league, you’re going to compete for minutes,” Ennis told the Toronto Star. “There are so many point guards, good point guards. It’s going to be good for me to learn from those guys.”
Ennis Dives and Dishes
The Suns drafted Ennis 18th overall in June, a surprise only to those unfamiliar with Hornacek’s aforementioned affinity for dual point guard play.
“We really value having multiple ball-handlers on the floor,” confirmed Suns General Manager Ryan McDonough. “We think our ability to run pick-and-rolls on either side of the floor and also to push the ball in transition – either via the pass or via the dribble – we feel like that’s a strength for us. We wanted to keep adding to it.”
Ennis hopes he adds something unique and different look to one of the deepest backcourts in the NBA.
“I think I bring a different dynamic than those guys do, being a pass-first guy, too,” Ennis told reporters at the Americas Team camp sponsored by Nike. “Me being able to score the ball as well as pass is something that’s a plus as well, I think.”
That said, the Suns rookie thinks learning the tricks and trades from his backcourt teammates is all part of being a rookie in the NBA.
“I think, as a young guy, it’s a good thing,” Ennis said. “You’re able to go in and learn from people, I think in the long run it’s definitely going to help me.”