NBA Utah Jazz

It’s Make-or-Break Time for Utah Jazz’ Enes Kanter

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By @mrmarykateolsen

Enes Kanter Utah Jazz 2014-15 NBA Preview Phoenix Suns

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For a Utah Jazz club that is mid-rebuild, the time has come to start making decisions on some of its young assets. While Gordon Hayward is beginning to establish himself as one of the elite wing players in the NBA in terms of versatility, court vision and potential as a two-way player, the rest of Utah’s young core continues to provide more questions than answers as relates to their role on the team and in the league at large. Perhaps no Jazzman exhibits this more than forward/center Enes Kanter.

After impressing the basketball community with his rebounding prowess initially, the former No. 3 overall pick has seemingly regressed in that area since his rookie season. His rebounding rate/percentage, once heralded as approaching historic levels as a first-year player (specifically on the offensive glass) have steadily decreased in subsequent seasons. Meanwhile, his defense has been a black mark on the team from day one.

Offensively, Kanter has remained impressive from both a potential and a production standpoint. Thanks in part to his tutelage under Al Jefferson, his footwork and array of spin moves and clever ball fakes on the low block are exceptional. As a jump shooter, he has remarkably soft touch for a big man, leading some to believe he will be able to extend his range beyond the three-point line.

Jazz coach Quin Snyder has encouraged Kanter to develop this aspect of his game in order to better mesh with the team’s new offensive philosophies. Unfortunately, the results in preseason play were mixed at best. Against the Oklahoma City Thunder Kanter hit two three-pointers, made 12-of-17 overall from the field overall and finished with 27 points. In the team’s exhibition finale against the Phoenix Suns he was just 4-of-14 and produced only 10 points.

So which Kanter is the real one? The one that crushed the Thunder frontcourt, or the one that came back to earth against the Suns and only connected once from deep despite several open looks in the Jazz’ other preseason contests? The answer to that question will be answered this season; it’s make or break time for Kanter’s career with the Jazz.

If he can’t become the player the Jazz want him to be, Rudy Gobert and Trevor Booker are waiting in the wings to take his minutes. That’s not to say it’s a forgone conclusion; Kanter is a great talent and a better person, but if he wishes to land a big contract this offseason and cement himself as a starter in the NBA, the time to produce is now.

Ryan Aston covers the Utah Jazz for RantSports. Follow him on Twitter @MrMaryKateOlsen or add him to your network on Google.

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