Chants of “we want Kanter” have inundated Madison Square Garden in recent days, as New York Knicks center Enes Kanter sat out four straight games due to a coach's decision.
Yet on Wednesday, he heard his name called, almost miraculously in the third quarter, having to shake himself before realizing coach David Fizdale had motioned for him to come into the game.
“He yelled out my name and I was like, ‘Really?’’’ said Kanter, according to Marc Berman of The New York Post. “I had to look around. ‘Is he serious?’ I got up and fans started to clap and I was like ‘this is really happening’.”
The crowd roared as he checked into the game and Kanter quickly went prone and kissed the Knicks logo before taking his spot on the court.
“They know the love of New York I have in my heart,’’ Kanter said. “I have no problem with this organization. From Day 1, I loved this city, this organization, the fans. They opened their arms.’’
This was the second straight home game, that the fans chanted Kanter’s name, making Fizdale cave this time and pleasing the crowd that still attends fervently, despite boasting the NBA's worst record at 10-40.
“It was kissing the logo — I love this team,’’ Kanter said. “I was planning this for a long time. I was waiting to get back in. Who knows how much longer I will play here? I was able to show the fans some love for one last time — I have no idea.’’
Kanter has been in the midst of trade rumors ever since coach Fizdale informed him his priority was to develop the young centers on the roster, making it a matter of time before the Turkish international was dealt.
The Knicks traded for Kanter as a result of the Carmelo Anthony swap with the Oklahoma City Thunder, and despite boasting double-double averages of 14.1 points and 10.6 rebounds on the season, the franchise will look to part ways with him sooner than later.
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