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New York Knicks: Jeff Hornacek on Enes Kanter’s leadership role

By Maxwell Ogden

NEW YORK, NY - FEBRUARY 26: Enes Kanter #00 of the New York Knicks is introduced prior to the game against the Golden State Warriors on February 26, 2018 at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Michael J. LeBrecht II/NBAE via Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - FEBRUARY 26: Enes Kanter #00 of the New York Knicks is introduced prior to the game against the Golden State Warriors on February 26, 2018 at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Michael J. LeBrecht II/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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With Kristaps Porzingis sidelined by injury, head coach Jeff Hornacek believes that Enes Kanter can become a better leader for the New York Knicks.

The New York Knicks are in the midst of a rebuild that’s taking a somewhat polarizing form. A number of players are being tasked with playing out of their element as the coaching staff attempts to toe the thin line between building for the future and alienating the veterans.

One of the players whom head coach Jeff Hornacek is trusting to help bridge the gap between tanking and an immediate rebuild is Enes Kanter.

Kanter, 25, is a seven-year veteran who has a wealth of postseason experience for a player his age. From that experience has grown a player who’s willing to outwork everyone else on the court along the offensive interior.

According to Marc Berman of The New York Post, Hornacek believes the missing piece for Kanter is becoming more vocal on the court—namely on defense.

"“Enes is not a big talker,’’ Hornacek said. “He’s the example guy and goes out there and plays hard as he can. I love when he gets in, posts and knocks someone around and gives us the muscles. Guys get a kick out of it. He tries to do it by example. We need him to talk more [on the court]. He’s a center and got to be involved in a lot of things. He’s getting better.’’"

The more players talk, the better the ball tends to move on offense and the more crisp the rotations tend to be on the defensive end of the floor.

The ability to lead by example is an elusive and beneficial trait that every team needs at least one player to be able to do. Being able to vocalize what needs to be done, however, is a far more delicate style of leadership.

Knowing how to communicate with each member of a locker room can be even more challenging than mastering the X’s and O’s.

That’s likely why coach Hornacek is turning to one of the most respected and beloved individuals on the roster to be his coach on the court.

If Kanter can get through to his teammates with his words, energy levels should improve. Kanter knows how to play hard when no one else is willing to, but that doesn’t necessarily mean others will follow suit without verbal motivation.

If Kanter successfully fills the role of a vocal leader, he could be the player who helps the Knicks rediscover their long lost identity.

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The New York Knicks need a vocal leader who can hold their teammates accountable. Enes Kanter appears to be qualified.

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