Recently acquired New York Knicks big man Enes Kanter surfaced on the NBA general manger survey. Find out what the league’s GMs had to say about him!
When the New York Knicks acquired Enes Kanter, two thoughts immediately arose amongst fans and analysts. Most believed a move to New York would be the fresh start that Kanter needed, but some inevitably questioned how the Knicks would navigate the logjam down low.
NBA general managers haven’t yet received that answer, but they remain confident in Kanter’s ability to make an impact on the game as a reserve.
In New York, Kanter joins a frontcourt that features the likes of Willy Hernangomez, Joakim Noah, and Kyle O’Quinn competing for minutes at center. Fortunately, with Kristaps Porzingis locking down the starting job at the 4, Kanter has the versatility to be able to enter games off the bench.
According to John Schuhmann of NBA.com, Kanter was voted as one of the most influential bench players in the Association.
"What bench player makes the biggest impact when he enters the game? 1. Andre Iguodala, Golden State – 41% 2. Eric Gordon, Houston – 24% 3. Jamal Crawford, Minnesota – 10% 4. Lou Williams, LA Clippers – 7% Also receiving votes: Manu Ginobili, San Antonio; James Johnson, Miami; Tyler Johnson, Miami; Enes Kanter, New York"
The question is: Can Kanter’s impact as a super sub translate to a more inclusive role as a potentail starter?
Kanter has traveled a tumultuous path to New York. He was a top-5 draft pick for the Utah Jazz, but was ultimately traded to the Oklahoma City Thunder, where he went from being a featured scoring option to averaging 9.0 minutes per game during the 2017 NBA Playoffs.
When Thunder head coach Billy Donovan put Kanter on the floor, however, he produced big numbers and changed the opposition’s gameplan.
Kanter averaged 14.3 points and 6.7 rebounds in just 21.3 minutes per game in 2016-17, which translates to 24.3 points and 11.3 rebounds per 36 minutes.
The hope in New York is that either Kanter or Hernangomez will take the next step in their respective development and become a full-time starter. Kanter’s ability to play either the 4 or the 5 is viewed as an early advantage, and his per 36 production paints the picture of a star on the rise.
Head coach Jeff Hornacek will demand more from Kanter on defense, but if the pick and roll is to be a fundamental aspect of the offense, the 25-year-old would be a perfect fit.
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The New York Knicks have a super sub in Enes Kanter. It’s on him to prove that he deserves to win the job as a starter.