Daily Knicks
Fansided

New York Knicks: Player power rankings after loss to Bulls

By Rob Wolkenbrod

NEW YORK, NY - NOVEMBER 05: Enes Kanter #00 of the New York Knicks heads for the net as Cristiano Felicio #6 of the Chicago Bulls defends at Madison Square Garden on November5, 2018 in New York City. 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 (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - NOVEMBER 05: Enes Kanter #00 of the New York Knicks heads for the net as Cristiano Felicio #6 of the Chicago Bulls defends at Madison Square Garden on November5, 2018 in New York City. 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 (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
4 of 5
Next
New York Knicks Enes Kanter (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
New York Knicks Enes Kanter (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /

team. 27. . . Previous: . Enes Kanter. 2

Slash Line: .543/.200/.871
Week 3 Averages: 15.3 PPG, 11.8 RPG, 2.8 APG, 0.3 SPG, 0.5 BPG, 26.6 MPG
Season Averages: 15.3 PPG, 11.3 RPG, 2.5 APG, 0.5 SPG, 0.4 BPG, 0.1 3PM, 27.0 MPG

Enes Kanter may not love “leading the second unit,” but the early results have proven positive for him and the New York Knicks in six games.

The bench trial started with 8 points and 13 rebounds on 4-for-9 shooting. Fine numbers, but not what he produced in a starting role.

The turnaround game seemed to be the Nov. 4 game against the Washington Wizards, however, with 18 points and 12 rebounds. In a losing effort, sure, but he stood above the rookie that replaced him, Robinson.

On Monday, when the Knicks were in offensive turmoil against Chicago, Kanter became a stable force in the paint to turn towards. He had 23 points and a career-high 24 rebounds to lead the way, despite the loss, and did so in 40 minutes compared to Robinson’s 11 in six periods.

Will this reinsert Kanter into the starting lineup? Maybe not. It’s still about their young center’s development, even with foul trouble over the past few games. There’s no indication Fizdale will yank his spot with Dotson, Tim Hardaway Jr., and others, barring catastrophic failure.

What that eventually means for Kanter will be something to watch for. His salary makes a trade difficult. There’s the buyout route, but when would that happen?

Home/Knicks News