Boston Celtics: Brad Stevens must make Enes Kanter the focal point of the second unit
By Mark Nilon
Enes Kanter looks primed to come off the bench for the Boston Celtics in 2019-20. If this turns out to be the case, the talented Turk could thrive as the focal point of the second unit.
When the Boston Celtics signed Enes Kanter to a two year, $10 million deal this offseason, many summed up the acquisition in one word: steal. A walking double-double with some of the best low-post moves you’ll find in the league today on a $5 million per-year salary can be widely viewed as an absolute bargain.
Upon his signing, it was perceived that the 27-year-old would take over at the team’s starting center position after the departures of Al Horford and Aron Baynes this summer. However, with the preseason now come and gone, it appears more likely that Kanter will be coming off the bench — at least, to start the season — for the Boston Celtics in 2019-20.
Frankly, the idea of having someone of Kanter’s talents in Boston’s bench rotation is a very entertaining prospect. It has the potential to work wonders for the team, so long as Head Coach Brad Stevens deciphers a plan to get the most out of the 11-year veteran. The most ideal plan — make him the focal point of the second unit.
As previously alluded to, Enes Kanter is a fantastic scoring option on the floor. While the team does consist of intriguing offensive talents in the second unit — Carsen Edwards specifically — none are as refined on that side of the ball as Kanter.
With the pass friendly Marcus Smart expected to yet again serve as the second team’s main ball handler, the pick & roll game could — and should — be on full display, with Kanter serving as the primary beneficiary.
Getting the center into a high usage role in the second unit should be a priority for the Boston Celtics this season. As evidence shows, with a high usage percentage, Kanter would be that much more of a threat to an opposing team.
During the 2016-17 season (with the Oklahoma City Thunder) the center recorded his highest usage percentage of his career (27.3). In turn, he put up, arguably, his best overall season to date, averaging 14.3 points and 6.7 rebounds on 55% shooting from the field in 21.3 minutes per game, none of which were logged as the team’s starting five. In terms of bench production, 14+ points and about seven boards a night is certainly nothing to scoff at and would be welcomed with open arms by Boston’s coaches, players and fans alike.
By getting Kanter more involved in the second unit, it would not only give him a better chance of performing well but, also, his teammates. With consistent quality performances from the veteran big, defenses will be hard pressed to not hone in on him. With attention drawn on Kanter, it would allow surrounding players such as Smart, Edwards, Grant Williams and Vincent Poirier to come across easier scoring opportunities which, obviously, would equate to more points for the Boston Celtics.
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If it weren’t for his defensive woes, there’s no question the Turkish born big would be the team’s starting center for the upcoming campaign. However, these deficiencies exist, so he’ll instead be coming off the pine to provide his impressive scoring prowess for the second unit. Given his proven offensive skill set, coupled with his amble amount of professional experience, coach Stevens should not just make Enes Kanter one of the contributors in the second team but, rather, the focal point of said unit.