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New York Knicks: Enes Kanter is a national treasure

By Sam Friedman

WASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 25: Enes Kanter #00 of the New York Knicks looks to pass the ball during the game against the Washington Wizards on March 25, 2018 at the Capital One Arena in Washington, DC. 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 Ned Dishman/NBAE via Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 25: Enes Kanter #00 of the New York Knicks looks to pass the ball during the game against the Washington Wizards on March 25, 2018 at the Capital One Arena in Washington, DC. 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 Ned Dishman/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Enes Kanter was one of the bright spots for the New York Knicks this past season. He should play a huge part in the future of the franchise.

He grinds down low, he hustles extremely hard on the offensive glass, and he’s been one of the vocal leaders of the New York Knicks since he joined the team last season. Amongst those who managed to play a full season, Enes Kanter may have been the best player on the Knicks.

Who would you rather have, Enes Kanter or Carmelo Anthony?

RHETORICAL QUESTION!

To recap a bit about our Turkish center: Kanter has walked an unconventional path during his tenure playing in the NBA. He was a one-and-done who played zero minutes for Kentucky.

The media reported that Kanter was taking money from a team overseas, which somehow violates an NCAA rule. One of the most heavily recruited players in the nation, didn’t play one second for John Calipari.

He still ended up going No. 3 overall in the NBA Draft. The NCAA really proved their point!

Recent History

One of the highlights of the 2017-18 season was Kanter standing up to LeBron James in a kerfuffle at Madison Square Garden. He also stood up to the Turkish government. Turkey has since exiled Kanter, who is the best basketball player in their country.

We will take him with open arms.

During a live Twitter/Periscope Q&A the other day, he openly challenged LeBron James to prove that he’s the King of New York by signing with the Knicks.

James has been vocal of his love for Madison Square Garden, and playing on the biggest stage in professional sports. It’s the perfect way to prove he is what he claims to be.

The only problem with Kanter’s statement is that to get James to New York, Kanter would need to opt out of his massive contract to free up space for the King. What do we do?

This guy knows what we’re going to do. The best part about Kanter is that he doesn’t care! He was open about negotiating a team-friendly contract to help the organization save money in the long-term.

This is all hypothetical, as I give James a .05% chance of signing with New York, but the gesture is still meaningful as a fan of the Turkish star.

Must Read: 2018 Knicks Mock Draft: Impact of David Fizdale

Enes Kanter is a hero, and needs more praise from the New York Knicks media.

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