Coming into 2019-20, the Boston Celtics have Turkish-born big-man Enes Kanter manning the middle at the center position. What could his ceiling be for the upcoming campaign?
With Al Horford departing the Boston Celtics this past offseason, a massive void was created at the center position. In an attempt to fill that void, Danny Ainge was able to sign perennial double-double threat, Enes Kanter to a 2-year, $10 million deal.
Obviously, at just a fraction of the rate that Horford ended up signing for, it’s not reasonable to expect Kanter to replicate the same level of play the five-time All-Star put forth on a nightly basis. Then again, at just 20% of the cost that the 33-year-old Horford signed at with the Philadelphia 76ers, Kanter shouldn’t be expected to fill those shoes.
Kanter is, and has always been, an offensive specialist. However, though he provides the ability to fill up the cup any day, he doesn’t provide the defensive presence to receive consistent minutes. That has held him back in his career, as he has only managed to muster an average of 22.2 minutes per game.
If Kanter could figure out the defensive end of the game, the Boston Celtics could benefit by having an expanded offensive role for the Turkish big-man.
Per 36-minutes, Kanter proves to be one of the better bigs — statistically — the association has to offer and easily outplays his current contract with the Boston Celtics. With these conversions, the big puts up averages of 19.3 points, 12.3 boards (with 4.8 being on the offensive glass) and over an assist per game on 54% shooting from the field.
Offensively, Kanter doesn’t have many holes in his game.
His impressive post work, coupled with his consistent mid-range game, already makes him a threat for almost any opposing big. Now, with him seemingly working on his 3-point game, it appears Kanter could spell even more trouble for defenders in 2019.
If Kanter can get more minutes, his per-36 averages prove he can only excel with the extra workload. The reason he will never be able to receive a steady starter’s workload is simple: his defensive deficiencies. Kanter had a tough time accepting the fact that Mitchell Robinson was a better fit for what David Fizdale wanted in his lineup: athleticism and a “no-one-is-scoring-on-me” attitude.
Boston Celtics fans better hope the situation isn’t similar if Kanter is yanked from the starting lineup. That said, his offensive prowess will keep him in a Celtics rotation that lacks established scoring options in the paint.
As for his ceiling, expect a 25-28 minutes per game workload, and scoring averages of around 14 to go along with 10 rebounds.