8. Enes Kanter
Enes Kanter is one of the more interesting players on the buyout market this season.
On the one hand, he averaged 14.0 points and 10.5 rebounds per game when he actually played. On the other, his selfishness and immaturity in handling a reduced role are what ultimately led to his exile from the New York Knicks, a team he claimed to love being a part of.
Knicks waive Enes Kanter. GM Scott Perry: “From the moment he arrived in New York, Enes passionately embraced our franchise & our city. He is a courageous individual & we thank him for his many contributions both on the court & in the community.”
— Ian Begley (@IanBegley) February 7, 2019
This is to say nothing of his turnstile-like defensive abilities, with a lack of athleticism and ridiculously low amounts of lateral quickness guarding pick-and-rolls. This combo makes him very difficult to play with the versatile big men opponents are trotting out these days.
Still, there is something appealing about a guy who can rebound at an extremely high level and finish around the basket. In a postseason series with the right matchup, he’s a guy who can slow the game down and both dish out and absorb physical contact.
Kanter isn’t a guy team’s can play even 20 minutes a night, something he’ll hopefully learn to accept before the rest of the league forces him to. Hopefully a change of scenery reinvigorates the former third overall pick to the point where he can come in at spurts at a time and make an impact in the restricted area.