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New York Knicks: 5 reasons Enes Kanter can win Most Improved Player

By Maxwell Ogden

NEW YORK, NY - OCTOBER 3: Enes Kanter #00 of the New York Knicks shoots the ball against the Brooklyn Nets during the preseason game on October 3, 2017 at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York. Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - OCTOBER 3: Enes Kanter #00 of the New York Knicks shoots the ball against the Brooklyn Nets during the preseason game on October 3, 2017 at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York. Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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DALLAS, TX – MARCH 5: Enes Kanter #11 of the Oklahoma City Thunder grabs the rebound during a game against the Dallas Mavericks on March 5, 2017 at American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas. Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Glenn James/NBAE via Getty Images)
DALLAS, TX – MARCH 5: Enes Kanter #11 of the Oklahoma City Thunder grabs the rebound during a game against the Dallas Mavericks on March 5, 2017 at American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas. Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Glenn James/NBAE via Getty Images) /

2. Addressing The Most Devastating Flaw

The New York Knicks are the worst defensive rebounding team in the NBA—bar none. That reality is what cost New York most dearly in 2017-18, as its solid ranking in defensive field goal percentage was offset by the inability to end possessions.

Enes Kanter is more of an offensive rebounder than a defensive rebounder, but if he improves upon the latter, he’ll be directly responsible for correcting New York’s worst flaw.

The Knicks finished 2016-17 at No. 29 in the NBA in offensive rebounds allowed and No. 30 in second chance points allowed. That played a direct role in the Knicks ranking in the bottom third of the league in both scoring defense and defensive efficiency.

New York ranked No. 13 in the Association in opponent field goal percentage, yet was No. 25 in points allowed per 100 possessions—unequivocal proof that rebounding was the issue.

Simply producing the numbers he’s been producing his entire career doesn’t sound like the formula to win Most Improved Player. Turning what some have believe were empty numbers into contributions that directly influence his team’s success, however, would be incredible progress.

Rather than being used in spot situations, Kanter could be a full-time player whose strengths play a determining role in his team’s success—a vast improvement over what was.

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