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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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OAKLAND, CA – JANUARY 23: Enes Kanter #00 of the New York Knicks grabs the rebound against the Golden State Warriors on January 23, 2018 at ORACLE Arena in Oakland, California. Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Noah Graham/NBAE via Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CA – JANUARY 23: Enes Kanter #00 of the New York Knicks grabs the rebound against the Golden State Warriors on January 23, 2018 at ORACLE Arena in Oakland, California. Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Noah Graham/NBAE via Getty Images) /

3. Elite Rebounding

At just 22 years of age, Kristaps Porzingis is already one of the most complete big men in the NBA. He needs to bulk up and polish his skills, but he’s one of the few players in the Association who can get a nightly 20 points and defend at a high, if not elite, level.

The area in which Porzingis has consistently struggled, however, is as a rebounder—and that’s where Enes Kanter borders on being unrivaled.

Kanter finished the 2017-18 regular season ranked No. 1 in the NBA in offensive rebound percentage. He ranked No. 4 in total rebound percentage and No. 6 in defensive rebound percentage, thus displaying his ability to dominate the boards on both ends of the floor.

Considering neither Kristaps Porzingis nor Kevin Knox are known for their rebounding ability, having Kanter on the floor could prove to be vital.

Some will reference the Golden State Warriors as an example of a team that disregarded the traditional big man for a small-ball approach. Golden State won its first championship with Andrew Bogut in the middle, however, and continues to sign interior-based centers.

The reason: While they may not receive 36 minutes per game, the presence of a bruising interior player who can rebound remains a vital asset.