Enes Kanter was one of the parts that was an unknown when he was included in the deal that sent Carmelo Anthony to the Oklahoma City Thunder. Everyone knew about how good Kanter was at the offensive end but no one was convinced that he made any sort of impact defensively.

But even for his defensive limitations, Kanter has proven to be a nice addition to the Knicks this season. He's averaging a double-double in only 25 minutes per game, and has a player efficiency rating of 23.8, per Basketball Reference.

A player who produces like that is assumed as one that plays during crunch time of games. But recently, Kanter has been relegated to the bench during fourth quarters and overtimes. And Kanter is genuinely confused about it, per Marc Berman of the New York Post.

“I don’t know why,’’ Kanter said. “What’d he say? I have no idea why. I guess it’s a little weird. I have no idea. I look at the coach. He looks at me. OK? I’ll sit on the bench.’’

Article Continues Below
More New York Knicks News
Leon Rose Knicks, Taylor Jenkins Grizzlies, Mike Brown Kings with Madison Square Garden behind them and a light blue stripe underneath
Knicks land meetings with Taylor Jenkins, Mike Brown as coaching search advancesKris Pursiainen ·
NBA TV analyst Charles Barkley talks on set before game three of the 2024 NBA Finals between the Boston Celtics and the Dallas Mavericks at American Airlines Center.
Charles Barkley clowns Knicks’ coaching search strategy with Rick Carlisle quipRichard Pereira ·
Why Draymond Green wants Metta World Peace to get Knicks coaching job
Why Draymond Green wants Metta World Peace to get Knicks coaching jobJulian Ojeda ·
Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau with guard Jalen Brunson (11)
Jalen Brunson gets brutally honest on Tom Thibodeau after Knicks firingJulian Ojeda ·
Kevin Durant looks on from the sidelines during the game between the Phoenix Suns and the New York Knicks at Footprint Center with ESPN's Brian Windhorst in the background
Knicks rumors: Brian Windhorst insists Kevin Durant ‘definitely’ interested in tradeJosue Pavon ·
New York Knicks guard Josh Hart (3) drives to the hoop past Indiana Pacers guard Andrew Nembhard (2) during the first quarter of game three of the eastern conference finals for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
Josh Hart thinks Knicks ‘should have’ beat PacersZachary Draves ·

Knicks head coach Jeff Hornacek said Kanter's minutes down the stretch depends on what the team needs. Sometimes he wants defense, so that means Kyle O'Quinn will get those minutes and not Kanter.

But Kanter said his coach does not talk to him about the reason, per Berman.

“He did not [talk to me],’’ Kanter said. “I’m ready [to play in the fourth]. It’s a little weird to me too. I guess he’s trying to make everybody happy. That’s what he’s doing. The most important thing is if we’re winning or not. If we’re winning we’re good. If we’re losing, there’s a problem.”

Obviously, Kanter is upset about this situation. Given that Kanter is an important player for the Knicks, the two sides have to find a way to get on the same page.