Miami keep tabs on Wildcats menace Ennis
The Perth Wildcats could be robbed of their greatest on-court asset when Miami Heat officials arrive in WA this month to assess the progress of outstanding swingman James Ennis.
The athletic 23-year-old has lit up the NBL since arriving in August, leading the league in scoring with 24 points a game.
He was named player of the month for October and has already produced a spectacular highlights reel, featuring a string of extravagant slam dunks.
Ennis signed a one-season deal with the Wildcats, but the Heat retain rights to their second-round draft pick.
The Heat can recall him to the NBA or development team Sioux Falls Sky Force before the agreed January 30 deadline.
It appears unlikely Ennis would move to the D-League, where he would be on a greatly reduced salary, and only a monumental injury toll would see him called up by the Heat.
But Wildcats managing director Nick Marvin said the club had kept tabs on a list of replacements to cover any loss.
Included on the list is American big man Mike Dunigan, who proved an instant hit in a four-game stint as an injury replacement for Matt Knight last season.
"We picked January 30 because it gives us eight games to get another import in and get him cleared to play before the finals," Marvin said.
"We always look at players constantly, but at this stage we're not worrying about it until we get a clearer picture."
The Wildcats are red-hot championship favourites after starting the season with six consecutive wins and hit their straps in a 40-point demolition of Wollongong last Friday night.
But if they lost Ennis, questions would no doubt be raised about their title credentials.
Club great Mike Ellis said Ennis was crucial to the Wildcats' championship bid, describing him as the most athletic player in the NBL since the legendary James Crawford.
"Ennis is just out of control. He's kind of freaky athletically," Ellis said.
"There have been some good athletes, but he's one of these ones who considerably stand out."
The Wildcats have the bye this week after five games in 15 days.
Knight hopes to return from an ankle injury in the game against Cairns on Thursday week.
Ennis is just out of control. He's kind of freaky athletically." *Mike Ellis *
