There was a recent NBA drama when New York Knicks forward/center Enes Kanter announced he would not be joining the team for their trip to London, citing concern for his safety. Kanter is an avid opponent of Turkish President Recep Erdogan, and he fears traveling overseas could put him in danger.
When Knicks chairman James Dolan was asked how he felt about Kanter missing the game, he was very supportive of the player's decision, saying:
This is James Dolan on @Enes_Kanter missing London. I think it’s legitimate. My people over there are assuring us there won’t be a problem, there won’t be a problem, but if I was him, I’d be concerned, too. I don’t blame him at all. I’m totally OK with it.”
— Marc Berman (@NYPost_Berman) January 8, 2019
It's nice to see Dolan supporting members of his team. Even though the Knicks chairman is certain he could protect Kanter, he knows that this is probably the best decision for the big man. Putting your life in danger for one NBA game is simply not worth it, and Dolan sees and understands that.
New York will miss Kanter's presence on the court when they travel overseas. The 6'11 center is having one of the best seasons of his career, posting averages of 14.4 points, 10.7 rebounds, and two assists while shooting an efficient 54 percent from the field.
Realistically, one more Knicks loss isn't the end of the world. The team is one of the worst in the league, and losing could bring them closer to the ultimate goal for them this season, the number one pick in the 2019 draft.
It makes the most sense for the Knicks to keep their player safe and do their best without him while slogging through a season that is already lost.
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