Kanter, Knicks are in a better place apart
In the end, it worked out for Enes Kanter.
His final months with the Knicks were marred by discontent about his playing time and the team’s nonstop losing. He publicly questioned the organization’s tanking strategy, feuded with coach David Fizdale and became a fan favorite whose name was chanted by the MSG crowd.
And while Kanter has needled the Knicks in recent interviews, both the Celtics center and Fizdale were issuing verbal hugs before the Knicks played Friday at Boston. Water has traveled under the bridge.
“No, I haven’t talked to him but it wasn’t about me and Enes,” Fizdale said. “I really care a lot about Enes and I want the best for him. It was just unfortunate circumstances obviously. I’m happy he landed somewhere where he has a chance to win and be valued the right way.”
Indeed, Kanter moved on to better things. He was bought out by the Knicks, signed for a halfseason by the Blazers and advanced to theWestern Conference finals as their starting center. He then inked a twoyear, $ 10 million deal with the Celtics in the summer, joining a surefire playoff team.
Kanter was inactive for a fourth straight game Friday because of a knee contusion.
“I had an amazing time in New York, man. I learned a lot on and off the court,” Kanter said. “Obviously I played in one of the biggest organizations in the league. It was just fun to see the team grow, for me to grow. The organization made me better, made me a better person.”
Still, Kanter didn’t fit the Knicks’ direction and wasn’t happy about being phased out of the rotation. He was able to build up his value again in the playoffs with the Blazers, earning the secondbiggest contract of any free agent who played last season with the Knicks ( DeAndre Jordan’s deal with the Nets was by far the most lucrative).
“Obviously every player’s focus should be to go out there and win a championship,” he said. “I think that’s what we were all doing. So that was one of the biggest reasons I picked the Celtics because I want to win that championship.”
While still with the Knicks, Kanter predicted the franchise would sign a superstar. That didn’t happen and Kanter later said on a Bleacher Report podcast that James Dolan was the biggest impediment to attracting marquee free agents. On Friday, Kanter took a different tact.
“They did,” he said. “It’s
Julius Randle.”
Speaking of Randle, Kanter and the Knicks forward got into a backandforth in the summer. Kanter, clearly not sold on first overall pick Zion Williamson, said on the radio that the rookie “is like Julius Randle with hops.” Randle responded on twitter, “last time you guarded me I had 45 relax bro lol.”
Kanter said that’s also water under the bridge.
“Oh yeah, one of the ( Knicks players) was just telling me how bad my suit looks. I said your haircut looks worse than my suit,” he said. “But I love all those guys, even Julius Randle. We had this beef and everything, but you know what, we played a pickup game this summer. He’s an amazing dude. I see there are a lot of good characters on the team. I’m excited to see them grow together.”
It’s safe to say Kanter was happy to leave that rebuild behind. Now he’s in a better place and neither side holds a grudge.