There have been rumors swirling around the New York Knicks media the Enes Kanter might be replaced as the starting center.

On Thursday afternoon, Kanter tweeted out a cryptic “smh” emoji, perhaps in light of those rumors.

Article Continues Below
More New York Knicks News
New York Knicks forward Bojan Bogdanovic (44) warms up before a game against the Detroit Pistons at Madison Square Garden.
Bojan Bogdanovic makes big retirement decision after 2024-25 campaignZachary Weinberger ·
Mar 5, 2022; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) laughs before the game with the Portland Trail Blazers at Target Center.
Karl-Anthony Towns shares funny post after Dawn Staley’s Knicks interview Rishav Bhat ·
May 11, 2022; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Memphis Grizzlies Head Coach Taylor Jenkins (right) and Interim Golden State Warriors Head Coach Mike Brown (left) lead their teams from the sidelines during game five of the second round for the 2022 NBA playoffs at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Joe Rondone-Imagn Images
Knicks rumors: Taylor Jenkins, Mike Brown heading into 2nd round of HC interviewsKris Pursiainen ·
South Carolina Gamecocks head coach Dawn Staley reacts during the first half of the national championship of the women's 2025 NCAA tournament against the Connecticut Huskies at Amalie Arena. Thibodeau
Knicks rumors: New York interested in Dawn Staley for head coaching jobZachary Howell ·
2025 NBA Draft Big Board First Round
New York Knicks 2025 NBA Draft grade for pick No. 51Drew Maresca ·
Leon Rose, Mohamed Diawara, New York Knicks logo with Madison Square Garden behind them
Knicks draft intriguing French prospect after Clippers tradeKris Pursiainen ·

Kanter has a long history for being known as a bad defender. Even during his time with the Oklahoma City Thunder, he was always knocked for his lack of ability to protect the rim. Not only is it an effort issue, but he's fundamentally a very bad defender in the paint. On the perimeter, he's even worse. He has hardly any lateral agility or any natural instincts. He's purely a post scorer.

Luke Kornet, who would potentially replace Kanter in the starting lineup, is a second-year 7'1″ big man who hasn't played very much this season. He's averaged only eight minutes per game while scoring only 3.3 points, grabbing 1.7 rebounds and dishing out 0.7 assists while shooting 40.0 percent from the field.

For the Knicks, perhaps it's a tanking maneuver. Their star big man Kristaps Porzingis still isn't back from injury, and the Knicks are still looking to have a top draft pick in the 2019 NBA draft.

Kanter is playing fairly decent on the offensive side of the ball. For the Knicks this season he's averaged 14.9 points, 10.9 rebounds and 2.0 assists per game while shooting 55.4 percent from the field and 35.3 percent from deep.

The Knicks are 9-26 on the season and sit 13th overall in the NBA's Western Conference under head coach David Fizdale. They will play the Milwaukee Bucks next at home Thursday evening.