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New York Knicks: Will Enes Kanter’s role diminish again?

By Rob Wolkenbrod

MEMPHIS, TN - NOVEMBER 25: Mitchell Robinson #26 and Enes Kanter #00 of the New York Knicks go for a rebound during the game against the Memphis Grizzlies on November 25, 2018 at FedExForum in Memphis, Tennessee. 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 Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images)
MEMPHIS, TN - NOVEMBER 25: Mitchell Robinson #26 and Enes Kanter #00 of the New York Knicks go for a rebound during the game against the Memphis Grizzlies on November 25, 2018 at FedExForum in Memphis, Tennessee. 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 Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Mitchell Robinson’s impending return puts another New York Knicks center in an awkward spot for playing time, again.

New York Knicks head coach David Fizdale’s changes to the rotation have lasted all season, and they continue to take form as the team struggles to reach double-digit wins. Center switched a handful of times, leading to an unhappy Enes Kanter.

Luke Kornet assumed the starting role over the past three games, sending Kanter to the bench for the second time this season. The veteran has not played more than 20 minutes since.

Kanter and Kornet have been the only centers while Mitchell Robinson, who previously started 12 games, healed a sprained ankle suffered on Dec. 14. However, the rookie big man is questionable to play in Friday’s game against the Los Angeles Lakers, per Marc Berman of the New York Post.

"“If I pass the tests, I could play,’’ Robinson told The Post. “It would be amazing. One of my biggest dreams is to play there. If I can play … I’ll be happy and I’m going to play hard.’’"

It hardly means Robinson will play, but when he eventually receives playing time, it’s bound to crunch minutes at center. Fizdale played the former Western Kentucky commit double-digit minutes in all but four games before the injury.

Factor New York’s developmental direction, and it’s great news for Robinson when he returns, fine news for Kornet if he continues to shoot from distance and poor for Kanter.

Before Robinson’s ankle ailment, it was him and Kanter splitting time at the five. Kornet was stuck at the end of the bench, before receiving a chance as the Knicks crunched their roster to give Allonzo Trier an NBA contract.

It’s not like Fizdale can remove the second-year center minutes, either, as he has 18.7 points, 5.0 rebounds and 3.7 assists per game on 51.4 percent shooting and 62.5 percent on three-pointers. Robinson won’t return to sit.

That leaves Kanter, the seemingly guaranteed player of this trio to not belong in the New York Knicks’ future plans. Attribute that to an $18.6 million salary that clears the payroll at season’s end and opens most of their 2019 cap space.

Along with him, other veterans have taken a backseat; Courtney Lee, Mario Hezonja, Trey Burke and Lance Thomas all sat out via coach’s decision against the Denver Nuggets. If Kanter joins them, who knows what kind of response results from not playing, a path he has not gone down this season.

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Kanter did not request a trade, but if his role diminishes with Robinson’s return, and more public dismay arises, it may be best to end this partnership sooner than later.

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