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New York Knicks: Five reasons to love Enes Kanter opting in

By Maxwell Ogden

NEW YORK, NY - NOVEMBER 13: (NEW YORK DAILIES OUT) Enes Kanter #00 of the New York Knicks in action against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Madison Square Garden on November 13, 2017 in New York City. The Cavaliers defeated the Knicks 104-101. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - NOVEMBER 13: (NEW YORK DAILIES OUT) Enes Kanter #00 of the New York Knicks in action against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Madison Square Garden on November 13, 2017 in New York City. The Cavaliers defeated the Knicks 104-101. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) /
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BOSTON, MA – JANUARY 31: Enes Kanter #00 of the New York Knicks shots over Aron Baynes #46 of the Boston Celtics during the first quarter of the game at TD Garden on January 31, 2018 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Omar Rawlings/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA – JANUARY 31: Enes Kanter #00 of the New York Knicks shots over Aron Baynes #46 of the Boston Celtics during the first quarter of the game at TD Garden on January 31, 2018 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Omar Rawlings/Getty Images) /

4. Expanding His Game

As previously alluded to, New York Knicks head coach David Fizdale encouraged Enes Kanter to extend his range to beyond the three-point line. It’s a fair request, as big men who can’t shoot often struggle to secure consistent playing time in this pace and space era.

Beyond meeting modern standards, however, is the reality that New York is attempting to play like it did in the 70s—when all five players on the court could pass, dribble, and shoot.

The difference today is that Willis Reed’s gorgeous midrange J would turn into a three-point field goal. For Kanter, the ability to stretch the floor would increase his individual productivity and create a greater balance as far as team ball movement is concerned.

Teams would be unable to sag off of Kanter when he’s at the three-point line, thus opening driving lanes with the rim protector stretched out by somewhere in the vicinity of 24 feet.

Thankfully, Kanter has proven in the past that he can knock down the three-point shot. He made 26 three-point field goals between the 2014-15 and 2015-16 seasons, which may not be an astonishing number, but shows a willingness to shoot.

Considering David Fizdale has turned non-shooters such as Chris Bosh and Marc Gasol into three-point marksmen, he should be able to do the same with a player who has valued the outside shot in the past.