Boston Celtics: Enes Kanter’s presence in the second unit would be invaluable for the team’s youthful bench

While fans and media alike may have penciled in Enes Kanter as being the Boston Celtics’ starting center heading into the 2019-20 campaign, it appears Brad Stevens is considering having the 27-year-old come off the bench. With this turn of events, Kanter may have a chance to be the anchor on the team’s youthful second unit.

Despite his defensive struggles, Boston Celtics center Enes Kanter is one of the most talented bigs in the NBA today.

He’s a walking double-double with impressive post moves, a reliable mid-range shooting stroke and a knack for gobbling up boards (specifically on offense). However, despite his imposing set of skills, it appears Head Coach Brad Stevens is still up in the air on whether the Turkish center should start or come off the bench during the 2019-20 season.

While this may have looked clear during Boston’s first preseason matchup against the Charlotte Hornets, as Kanter came off the bench in the contest, Stevens brushed up on his thought process after practice earlier this week.

"“He has some things he does really well that, I think, is just unique,” Boston Celtics’ Brad Stevens said. “He’s obviously going to play. We’re trying to figure out if it’s best with the starting unit or best to bring him off (the bench) so that you can play through him a little bit more on the block. Those type of things. And that’s probably the case, if we continue to start all those guys on the wing. We’ll see how that goes over the next couple of weeks.”"

Now, If you’ve read my writings throughout the past several months you’d know I’m a big Kanter guy. And while I believe the nine-year veteran is worthy of starting for a boatload of teams throughout the association, in regard to the way the Boston Celtics are currently constructed, him coming off the bench looks to be the ideal move for both parties.

Boston’s current iteration of a starting lineup consists of Kemba Walker, Jaylen Brown, Jayson Tatum and Gordon Hayward; all of whom are well deserving of offensive touches. If Stevens really intends to keep all of them in the starting unit — which he should — then perhaps more of a defensive minded presence at the starting five may be their best course of action coming into the season which, of course, is not how one would describe Enes Kanter.

For the team’s 107-106 victory over the Hornets earlier this week, the Celtics slotted second year big Robert Williams in at the team’s starting center position. While his counting stats may not have been “other worldly” when the contest came to a close, he did show glimpses of the insane athleticism/ defensive chops that grabbed the attention of fans during his rookie campaign.

Vincent Porier also logged some minutes during the exhibition and, while he recorded zeros across the board (aside from one rebound and one steal), the 25-year-old Frenchman showed impressive quickness and athleticism, as he was always step for step with his assignment. With three more preseason games to go, we should be seeing a little more from the EuroLeague addition and, with Williams’ groin injury — not believed to be serious — we may even see him logging minutes as a starter.

Right here we have two bigs who seem to boast games that would be very complimentary to the Boston Celtics’ starting lineup.

As for Kanter coming off the pine, he’d likely be used somewhat as the secondary unit’s anchor. With a primary squad likely to consist of Marcus Smart, Semi Ojeleye, Carsen Edwards, Romeo Langford and Grant Williams it’s apparent there isn’t too much offensive firepower — though many may see Edwards as a solid “spark plug” for the team in year one.

With the second team, Kanter would have the freedom to focus in on the aspect of the game he does best… scoring. With the willing passer that is Smart running the second team’s point guard position, the pick-and-roll game would be a dream come true for Kanter. The offense would easily have him highly involved if one of Walker, Tatum, Brown or Hayward were sitting on the bench catching their breath.

After all, Boston signed him for what he excels at, not what he’s lacking in. With the second unit, the offensive touches would predominantly run through Kanter.

Not only would his inclusion in the second team be beneficial in the scoring department but, also, for the veteran presence he’d bring to the team’s ever so young bench. With expected contributors Edwards, Langford, G. Williams and Ojeleye all being under the age of 25 (the first three being under the age of 21) their professional experience is obviously lacking. However, with Kanter’s previous experience in leadership roles, he could take this unit under his wing and introduce them to the gritty and hard nosed type of approach he has towards the game.

While Enes Kanter may be a very talented big, Brad Stevens may see it more fitting for him to come off the bench in 2019-20. If this turns out to be the case, his presence on the second team could prove to be invaluable for both the unit as well as for the team’s younger players.