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They can’t handle the Kanter!
Posted by: Jazzaholic on December 8th, 2012
The author's views are entirely his or her own and may not reflect the views of the Utah Jazz.Enes Kanter, AKA the Big Turkey, is a handful under the basket!
It reminds me of Jack Nickolson in A Few Good Men
“You can’t handle the truth!!!”
http://movieclips.com/uENU-a-few-good-men-movie-you-cant-handle-the-truth/
When he gets the ball low in the post, I frequently yell out, from high up in the nose bleed section, “You can’t handle the Kanter!”
Each time Enes gets the ball, which is usually deep in the post, he just keeps faking, pivoting, rotating and stepping through until he is fouled or gets the bucket.
Just watch, unless they double or triple team Enes, one man can’t stop him. Remember how the HATED Lakers refused to double Enes last year, letting Bynum get his butt handed to him time and time again in the Jazz win?
Watching him finally get some minutes was great. The Raptors, unlike the HATED Lakes, figured out quickly, to double or triple team Enes. Did anyone happen to notice all the open 3 pointers, because of all the extra attention Enes was getting? The Raptors were devoting a couple of players to try to keep him off the boards, which left more space for his teammates to get rebounds. He’s starting to pass out of double teams for wide open 3 pointers.
When the Jazz drafted Enes at #3, there was a lot of complaining that 6′ 11″ Jonas Valanciunas, taken at #5, should have been the Jazz’ choice. I had my doubts too. I thought he’d be a bull on the boards and not much else. After watching his first few limited minutes last year, I was convinced he was more than just a big body. He had some skills. After watching him go head to head with Valanciunas, there’s no question who is the better player.
I guess that’s why Kevin gets the big bucks, and a court side seat, while the rest of us have to pay to watch the game from afar.
This year…WOW! We have all seen flashes of something special. Under the coach’s and BigAl’s tutelage, he has developed some great footwork and moves under the basket. This should only get better. He’s only been playing since he was 15 years old. And, he’s only 20 now.
Derrick gets most of the coverage, because of his physical gifts, but Enes is fast showing us, that the Jazz have 2 of the best big men coming into the game.
Lastly, I love watching J D, AKA the Junkyard Dog, DeMarre Carroll, play. Poor Jose Calderon looked like he was ready to cry, after JDs harassment. He just causes havoc all over the court with his hustle. No plays are run for him. He gets rebounds, steals and causes turnovers. Then he knocks down the open shot. He reminds me of a larger, quicker Wesley Matthews. Thanks Denver for cutting him loose and Kevin for picking him up.
Jazzaholic
Replies: 26
Views: 1376
26 Responses
Good post. I agree.. I think it is time to kick Kanter some more minutes. He did answer the call.. As much as I like AL I don’t think the Jazz would miss a beat trading him. Look for Dec 15th!!
Kanter scored 18 points (shooting below 50%), grabbed 8 rebounds, and had zero assists, against an awesome Raptors team that has lost all but one game on the road this season. I say we throw a parade in Kanter’s honor, and erect a statue of him out in front of ESA next to Karl and John.
He’s definitely a future hall of famer…no question.
I can’t wait until Jefferson comes back in a game or two, along with Favors, and everybody goes back to bitching about why Kanter is only getting 12 minutes a night, and that Corbin is bum.
Don’t get me wrong, Kanter appears to be a hard worker, and a good kid, and I do want to see him live up to his potential, but to suggest that he is far enough along in his development that we should just kick Al Jefferson to the curb is absolutely ridiculous.
Um Kanter is more developed defensively than Al will be his entire career. Kanter doesnt need to score 30 points to win games. Its something called team ball. Not AL ball. Kanter actually passes out of the post. He actually reads defenders and OMG actually draws a foul. But your right Jason, Al is by far our best choice at 15 mil over Kanter’s 4 mil. Al isnt going anywhere after this season, his contract ends, but he is completely loyal just like millsap who turned down 8 mil right?
http://www.csnne.com/11/14/12/Jefferson-would-love-to-return-to-Boston/nbcsportsceltics.html?blockID=802049&feedID=10424
Jason, you’re obviously not a Kanter fan, and we have a rather small data sample to draw from.
Watching the game, the Raptors usually had 1 or 2 guys, sometimes 3, who were cheating on the double/triple teams.
Enes gets the ball so deep, unlike Big Al, that just the threat of a post up frees up the 3 point line.
Enes has tons to learn, like when and where to pass out, but just watch him when a team doesn’t double. When they do double, watch the 3 point line, like last night.
Also, without Big Al on the floor, did you notice the passing?
Big Al is “game on the line scorer”, but he also slows the ball movement.
The Jazz will need to figure out
1. Do they trade him Dec 15 – Feb 21? At $15m that’s going to be hard, without taking back a bloated contract.
2. Do they try to resign him in July? It will depend on his market value and the Jazz’ financial projections.
3. Do they use the $15m cap space for new players and let BigAl walk?
Enes? He’s just in the infancy of his development.
Keep watching. See if your opinion changes.
Jazzaholic
Jazzed uponit, what game are you watching? Jefferson has become a very willing passer out of the post the last year and a half. He’s made some of his biggest strides in this area. Kanter NEVER passes the ball. It is one of my biggest gripes with him. Talk about a black hole. I swear so many of you see just what you want to see.
Why does Kanter have better footwork? Why has Kanter shown more moves down low this season? Al Jefferson, that’s why. Jefferson has taken Kanter under his wing in practice, and Kanter admits as much. Al has gone the extra mile to work with all the younger big men on their games, and even puts in extra time with them after practice. Jefferson knows that the better Kanter and Favors get, the more likelihood he won’t play as much or get traded, but he’s unselfish, and a true professional. He hardly ever misses games due to injury since he’s first been here. He plays through pain. He has come up clutch for us in the fourth quarter in so many games over the last few seasons I’ve lost count. We lose to Orlando the other night without him.
Is he worth 15 million…hell no. But almost everyone in the NBA is drastically overpaid. Jefferson is going to be a free agent at the end of season so of course he wants to keep all his options open. What’s he supposed to say…Boston sucks, and I never want to come back here? Part of this game is a business, and you have to treat it that way.
Jazzaholic: Actually, I do like Kanter. I want him to do well, and prove me wrong.
But, I’m sick and tired of every yahoo on this site ripping on Al Jefferson. Al has done a great deal for our team, and has helped guide us from the lottery to a playoff appearance. He doesn’t deserve the constant criticism he gets on this site. When I listen to the other teams radio and tv guys call the games, all they ever talk about is Al Jefferson, and what needs to be done to slow him down. The Orlando play by play announcers were absolutely in love with him, and couldn’t understand how in the world he had never been named to an all-star team during his career.
Big Al is a great team player and mentor for Enes!
He’s got more money than his next 5 generations can hope to spend. So, he’s secure.
He was essentially a swap for Boozer and a definite upgrade.
But, he doesn’t post as deep as Enes, and neither does Derrick, at this point.
Deep post ups opens ball movement and the 3 point line.
Enes is still developing, but at his 1.25 year mark, who has made more progress?
I think he has a bright future.
Should he never play, be traded or waived? Just how bad do you think he is?
I see a bright future.
I guess we’ll have to agree to disagree.
Jazzholic
Greg Miller: “Just had very interesting and insightful conversation with Dennis Lindsey. Great to have him with the Jazz. He will help is win.” Twitter @GregInUtah
Isn’t it great to have Dennis and Kevin decide what Big Al’s future with the Jazz will be?
Jazzaholic
Agree with Jazzaholic on his last statement.
I’m not ripping on Big Al.
He was a lifesaver “exchange” for the Businessman.
With an unlimited budget, keeping Big Al. is a no brainer, but that’s not the real world of the current CBA.
Enes and Derrick are going to demand big money, despite what you think about Enes right now. In 2-3 years they will be at $7m, BEFORE extension, qualifying offer or restricted free agency.
I can’t see how Dennis can keep all three at current projected salaries. I’m with the keeping the youth, but I’m OK with keeping all three, if it doesn’t screw up the rest of the team roster, because of salary crunch. As the kids improve, Big Al and Sap’s minutes are going to suffer.
Can you afford to keep them both? Would they come off the bench?
With the punitive luxury tax and trade restrictions kicking in, maximum salaries are becoming much more dynamic.
The Thunder had to cut loose of the Beard, because of his salary/future team salary, and they came out smelling like the proverbial rose. Will/can the Jazz do the same?
Wouldn’t you love to be a fly on the wall, in Dennis’ office when Kevin comes in to discuss it?
Jazzaholic
Jazzaholic
Derrick Favors is out with plantar fasciitis. Foot problems are always a concern with big men. Is this the foreboding of future foot problems or just a blip?
Have you had a chance to watch him play and your thoughts?
Steve Kyler (HoopsWorld)
“Plantar fasciitis is super common in sports, especially basketball where guys wear new shoes virtually every night. Bad shoes or taping can often lead to this. Its painful and nagging. I wouldn’t read too much into it. I worry more about guys with obvious structural problems, that has not been Favs issues. I’ll bet he changed shoe styles and messed up his foot… that’s a guess by the way.
As for watching him play… He’s my guy, so I try and catch as many games as possible. He is such an interesting talent…”
I think he’s ahead of Dwight at this point of their careers, but maybe that’s just me being a Jazz fan.
Jazzholic
By Landon Silinsky
December 08, 2012 at 7:13 AM
“The Utah Jazz put up a ridiculous 131 points in a win over the helpless Toronto Raptors. Even with Al Jefferson and Derrick Favors out of the lineup due to injuries, the Jazz poured in their biggest output of the season. Paul Millsap led the way for Utah as he scored 20 points on 7-of-16 shooting. Second-year center Enes Kanter also had a nice game stepping in for Jefferson, as the sophomore from Turkey put up 18 points and 9 rebounds. This is the 2nd time the Jazz beat the Raptors this season, the first one ended with Utah winning 140-133 in triple-overtime.”
It will be fun to watch Enes and Derrick go against the best defensive center in the NBA Sunday.
Jazzaholic
So Derrick is playing tomorrow?
That was the comment he made off the record Friday. He has to get trainers and a coach to agree. So, we’ll see.
How he and Enes play against Dwight should be a good indicator of their progress so far.
But, Big Al could be back and they won’t get much of a chance.
Jazzaholic
According to Jody, they both practiced Sat, so will probably play.
Jazzholic
@Jason: This was Enes Kanter’s FIRST CAREER START.
18 points, 9 rebounds, 80% ft, 44% fg, 1 block, and just 1 turnover in 33 mins.
Those numbers are ridiculous for a career start.
Of all the players on our team, Kanter is the most likely to be an allstar and franchise player. He has the most potential. I’m putting Favors at #2.
Kanter has a beautiful jumpshot and is a finesse free throw shooter. As Jazzaholic said, no one in the NBA can guard him one on one with the exception of the best centers in the NBA.
He is a much better scorer than Favors. But with Favors’ jaw dropping increase in free throw shooting abilities, both can get to the line constantly and cause serious damage there.
Both are ridiculous defenders. Favors is definitely the above the rim guy, and Kanter can create a shot in the post even when double teamed.
The only thing Kanter needs to do better is pass. He always tries to force things. However, this came showed us he is capable of passing out of the double team.
I love Al Jefferson. But the future is now. I posit to you that if Jefferson played against the Raptors we would have only won by a few points, and probably would’ve went into overtime.
Now, we are a bad road team,and so are the Raptors, but you can’t honestly believe that a 30+ point blowout (that easily could’ve been 50 if we kept our starters in) is a mirage.
Raptors usually lose by an average of 9-11 points [media notes]. And all you have to do is look at the last 3-4 games we’ve played against them, all of which went into AT LEAST one overtime.
I also posit to you that if Al Jeff had played, Paul Millsap would not have had the breakout game he did. Because ball movement in the paint was key to his huge game.
Similarly, Marvin Williams and Gordon Hayward would not have had the good games that they did because they are off the ball players that thrive by spreading the floor and making cuts, which is almost impossible to do with Al Jefferson standing in the same spot for 10 seconds.
Now here’s 2 very, very simple but important questions, and I want you to to be completely honest with yourself.
Could Al Jefferson guard Enes Kanter?
Could Enes Kanter guard Al Jefferson?
Kanter: 2
Al: 0
@ Jason its not a character assessment. I loved the Al acquisition from minnesota, the gamble on his knee injury paid off. He would be an allstar without the injuries. But Timberwolves were having issues with him on offense even before his injuries. Kevin Love was coming up and they wanted more offense to flow. He was an upgrade from Boozer. Al is a good guy. I agree he helped Favors and Kanter with his big man coach in santa barbara.
But this is business. Deron wanted to walk, we got the best talent and pieces with the trade. We drafted for a center with our #3 pick because he was the best talent. Half of the reason Al should be moved is not his fault, its just how things happened. But we have 2 #3 picks coming up in the front court. Every NBA analyst in the country is asking for Favors to get max court min. and talking about a trade in the front court for Utah.
Turks love Jazz!!!
Great comments!
The “kids” are impressive right now.
Let’s hope they continue to improve beyond impressive to fantastic.
Big Al is still young and is one of the better big men. But, there is such a premium paid to good big men, I just can’t see how the Jazz can keep him and pay Enes and Derrick what their market value will be in a couple of years. He’s at $15m now and his agent will want more.
You can’t beat Big Al’s attitude, humility and work ethic. He’s also a great game-on-the-line performer.
If you can’t afford all 3, he’s the natural to trade. He’s older, but not that old, has very good stats, is in good health and makes the most money.
Because of his salary, he’ll be a tough trade, without taking back unwanted salary. If the Jazz are in a playoff push, as it appears now, they will probably wait for free agency and use his cap space or utilize a sign and trade.
The market might be such that the Jazz could resign him at a lower salary, more compatible with the team salary structure, but more likely, Millsap will fit that category.
Jazzaholic
Pau won’t play tonight.
Jazzaholic
Kanter and JD looking good again.
You have to double or triple team Enes to stop him.
JD’s D on His Arrogance was very good.
Why Ty can’t figure out “Hack a Howard” works better than open 3s and His Arrogance shooting free throws is a mystery.
Jazzaholic
Another team tryed to defend Kanter without double team, in addition they have tryed to defend with a PF. Story didn’t end well for the Lakers…
It just adds fuel to the Kanter fire!
I was hoping that Enes could start and get significant minutes head-to-head with D-12. I don’t think he can handle the Kanter one-on-one.
Enes just continues to validate my feelings about how he is playing and will play in the future.
JD continues to be one of the most fun players in the league to watch.
Jaaaaaack couldn’t handle the Kanter either. I think he wet himself (and the ball) during the game, hiding the evidence under his chair.
Nothing beats beating the HATED Lakers!!!
Jazzaholic