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

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NEW YORK, NY – OCTOBER 3: Enes Kanter #00 of the New York Knicks dunks 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) /

1. Turning Per 36 To Per Game

In terms of per 36 production, there are few players more impressive than Enes Kanter. His ability to post big numbers in limited action has resulted in Top 20 rankings in Player Efficiency Rating in two consecutive seasons: 2015-16 and 2016-17.

That metric only tells so much, but if Kanter turns his per 36 production into what he’s providing the Knicks per game, he’ll be far more than the Most Improved Player.

Kanter boasts career averages of 19.3 points, 11.4 rebounds, 4.5 offensive rebounds, and 1.0 assist per 36 minutes. Over the past two seasons, those numbers have jumped to 22.9 points, 12.7 rebounds, 4.9 offensive rebounds, and 1.1 assists per 36.

Considering Kanter shot 56.0 percent from the field and 79.1 percent from the free throw line between 2015-16 and 2016-17, those numbers are elite.

For further perspective, only six players averaged at least 24.0 points and 11.0 rebounds per 36 minutes in 2016-17. That list is limited to DeMarcus Cousins, Anthony Davis, Joel Embiid, Karl-Anthony Towns, Russell Westbrook, and Kanter.

Defensive inconsistency has kept Kanter off the court, but if he’s able to stay on the floor for starting-caliber minutes, his numbers could jump off the page.

Must Read: 5 reasons Tim Hardaway Jr. can win Most Improved Player

If he earns the opportunity to play starting-caliber minutes with the New York Knicks, the opportunity will exist for Enes Kanter to win Most Improved Player in 2017-18.

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