NBA Draft: Oregon’s Dylan Ennis Signed by Oklahoma City Thunder

Oregon’s Dylan Ennis was signed as a free agent by the Oklahoma City Thunder following the 2017 NBA Draft. The sixth-year senior was the fifth of five NBA-bound Oregon players to sign on the dotted line with an organization.

It’s the first time since 1971 that the Oregon Ducks had five draft eligible players. Three were drafted, while two signed as free agents after the festivities. At the end of the day, all that matters is their signature on the dotted line.

Ennis will have an opportunity to make some noise with OKC. Currently, they have the best player in the league on their roster in the form of Russell Westbrook. Not to mention, this is the destination I predicted for Ennis last week.

The Thunder struggle offensively, therefore Ennis could provide a huge spark off the bench to begin. Defensively, the Canadian was molded for the OKC system. This is a perfect fit for him.

Jordan Bell is the great character nice guy. Chris Boucher is relentless. Dillon Brooks is the competitive one motivated by hate. Tyler Dorsey is the silent assassin. As for Ennis, he is the positive influence, “team first” defensive-minded leader from Ontario.

The strength above everything else for Ennis is his mindset. His strong will and determination is what separates him from the rest. Most people would have given up a long time ago, but not Ennis. Not many people deserve this more than him.

Statistically, Ennis averaged 10.9 PPG, 4.4 RPG, 3.1 APG and 1.1 SPG during his senior year at Oregon. He shot 36 percent (53-for-148) from 3-point territory in 2016-17, alongside a healthy 48 percent from the field. DE shot a career-high 74 percent from the charity stripe last season.

Ennis scored 10 points or more in 22 of Oregon’s 39 total games in 2016-17. He was as consistent as they come on a nightly basis. Let’s not forget, he registered a career-best 12 rebounds in the first game of the Pac-12 Tournament vs Arizona State.

Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images

His “first” senior season ended prematurely in Corvallis due to injury. Yet, the Ducks never lost a home game from Matthew Knight Arena (35-0) during Ennis’ tenure.

With the season on the line against the Tar Heels, Ennis shined brightest for the Ducks. The senior scored 18 points, alongside six boards, three assists, a stolen pass and a blocked shot. The Ontario native shot 50 percent from the floor (5-for-10).

Prior to the draft, the Canadian worked out for the Thunder, Sacramento Kings, Utah Jazz, Los Angeles Lakers, Toronto Raptors, Boston Celtics, Indiana Pacers, Philadelphia 76ers and the New York Knicks.

The NBA is shifting to faster, smaller players. The undersized game is taking over and Ennis should be able to find opportunities for the next decade. There really isn’t one glaring skill that he is missing in abundance. We don’t hear it much anymore, but Ennis is an all-around basketball player.

We wish Dylan nothing but the best at the next level! It was a pleasure watching him.

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