NBL rookie James Ennis has denied reports he threw his All-Star trophy in Melbourne’s Yarra River after missing out on the league’s MVP.
The Miami Heat gun is days away from leading the Perth Wildcats against the Adelaide 36ers in the 2014 Finals series, but has created negative headlines for some alleged diva behavior during Wednesday night’s league award ceremony.
Ennis has taken the NBL by storm this season, creating a ton of buzz for his above the rim play and big scoring outputs. A near lock to rejoin the Miami Heat next season after being taken in the second round of the 2013 NBA Draft, Ennis has world class athleticism that will make him a fan favorite for the reigning world champs.
Looking to keep his reputation intact before a probable move to South Beach this summer, Ennis dismissed reports his award is now at the bottom of the Yarra after finishing third in the MVP ballot.
“My trophy’s in my bag. I threw a water bottle into the water,” Ennis said.
“I have the trophy in my bag and I’m going to give it to my mum when I get home.”
Ennis said he believe MVP winner Rotnei Clarke was deserving of the honor, but declined to show his hardware.
“Clarke deserved it,” he said.
“I’m a little disappointed, but it’s all good. I’m here to win a championship.
“I think (Grand Final) MVP is more important than MVP of the regular season, and I’m just thankful I get to play in a Grand Final.”
The 23-year-old has won the league over with high-flying skill, but his fiery play- including a number of heated scuffles- hasn’t won him too many friends amongst his peers.
“I only heard about it at the dinner and it’s extremely disrespectful,” dual Olympian and Melbourne Tiger Mark Worthington commented.
“It probably shows he doesn’t respect the league, Rotnei Clarke or Chris Goulding and gives an insight into the guy.”
The NBL Grand Final series kicks off in Perth on Monday night while Game 2 will take place in Adelaide next Friday.
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