Joakim Noah has taken newcomer Enes Kanter under his wing, despite being actively in the competition for minutes and a starting spot at center.
Kanter has been known as an offensive force, but lacking on the defensive side of the ball, so he's been taking all the tips possible from the 2014 Defensive Player of the Year.
“He's always talking to me. He actually told me a week ago that, ‘I want you to take the next step. I want you to get to the next level defensively.' And he's been there for me, helping me a lot defensively, talking to me on the court, off the court,” Kanter told ESPN's Ian Begley. “He's been really trying to help me. And he's one of the most respected guys in the NBA. He's got 11 years in the league. He knows a lot. He's got a lot of experience so I can really use his help.”
Kanter was part of the return package for Carmelo Anthony in a trade last month and now competing against Noah, last season's starter Willy Hernangomez, and key reserve Kyle O'Quinn. If he can add a defensive game to go with his low-post presence, he can be in line for a lot more than just minutes, but a starting job under coach Jeff Hornacek.
Noah is still suspended for the first 12 games of the season after serving eight of his 20-game suspension for taking a banned substance in his recovery from injury.
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