Enes Kanter has been a bright spot for the Knicks this season, but his ongoing dispute with the Turkish government has generated more headlines than anything he has done on the court. While his future — both with the Knicks and his native country — is unclear, Kanter knows he wants to retire in New York.
In an in-depth interview with ESPN’s Ian Begley, Kanter addressed his perception of the Knicks before he joined the team as part of the Carmelo Anthony trade last September and his current view of the organization.
“I remember during the draft I went to see a lot of organizations. But after you play in New York, you don’t really want to go anywhere else,” Kanter said. “The people around are so cool. I remember maybe it was my second month here. I was thinking, ‘This place is so cool, I want to retire here.’ I remember one of the media guys was asking me, ‘Is it too early to decide because you’ve been here for not even a half season? Why did you want to decide that you wanted to retire as a Knick?’ I was like, ‘This is the place I want to be.’ You play at Madison Square Garden, you see all the famous people. I’m really cool with Ben Stiller.”
Kanter, 25, has averaged 13.5 PPG and 9.9 RPG through 43 games this season while holding down the center position. In addition to his Knicks future, Kanter also discussed his view of Turkey, his current relationship with his family, and his spat with LeBron James.
Check out other Knicks news below:
- There have been some rumblings of head coach Jeff Hornacek‘s future with the team given the team’s recent rough patch, which was addressed by Frank Isola of the New York Daily News. Amid the chatter, however, Hornacek responded by stating that he has the support of the organization and moving forward with the plan of developing young talent, per Stefan Bondy of the New York Daily News.
- Kristaps Porzingis was voted an All-Star starter by his fellow players, but lost the overall vote to Sixers big man Joel Embiid. Per ESPN, the Latvian sharpshooter addressed the news with confidence. “Players know,” Porzingis said. “That’s all I’m going to say.“
- The Knicks’ issues with their point guards, defensive capabilities, and ability to win were evident in a recent loss to the Grizzlies. Marc Berman of the New York Post examined how the recent losses — the rough patch that has left the team at 21-25 — could lead to a fire sale ahead of the February 8 trade deadline.
Kanter, Ntilikinia, 1st for Kemba and Batum or Williams
I think if the Knicks included one more asset (a second round pick or Hernangomez), the Hornets would be all over that. That trade already sounds pretty good depending on the protections for that 1st rounder.
Lol, so just trade away all the decent young big men the knicks got for Batum and Kemba? Give me a break….
Lol
Charlotte already has big money invested in two centers (howard, zeller). And i don’t think they want to take on any money past this year.
Ntilikina, NYK18, McDermott (expiring), Jarrett Jack (expiring) for Walker
Kanter can and probably will opt out after this year
Kemba Walker isn’t the difference maker, the Knicks need.
There’s a reason Hornets are trying to unload Batum’s contract. Salaries of $22M, $24M, $25M, $27M 4 years! All fully guaranteed to a player, who is unselfish and a team player — yes but the epitome of overrated, averaging 11/4.7/4 and career average of 12/3.7/5.3
Shooting 29% from 3? 41% overall? for the season Yuck.
Ntilikina…
And a 1st too? Lmao.
They should be giving us a 1st to take that albatross of a contract off their hands. Batum is a nice role player, getting paid like a star.
I like Kemba, but Kemba’s contract expires after next year.
Williams is a worse player than Batum— with a much better contract (Much older than Batum too, Williams turns 32 in 5 months)
This is a horrible trade — of the Isiah variety but Credit for being proactive.
Porzingis > embiid all day.