New York Knicks big man Enes Kanter has played a total of only 31 minutes in the past two games after recently being demoted to a bench role. The 26-year-old is clearly upset about the whole situation, and did not hold back when asked about how he felt about the move to the bench.

“I understand we want the young guys to get better, but it’s very painful to watch it out there,’’ Kanter said, via Marc Berman of the New York Post. “I’m essentially positive and try to help the young guys get better. It’s too early in the season to shut me down. My goal this year was to go out and be an All-Star, but now look at the situation.”

Kanter has been great for the Knicks to start the season, averaging 14.3 points (on 54.3 percent shooting), 10.6 rebounds, 1.9 assists, 0.5 steals, and 0.4 blocks in 26.6 minutes as the team's starting center.

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Nonetheless, Knicks head coach David Fizdale appears set on continually tinkering with his rotation, and Kanter is just the latest to fall victim to the coach's rather unusual methods.

According to Kanter, who was held scoreless in 17 minutes on Saturday against the Utah Jazz, all he wants is to be given the opportunity to help his team win.

“I just want to go out and play basketball and want to win,’’ he said. “I don’t know why they’re shutting me down. I just want to win. I don’t care if I start or come off the bench.

“I just want to play basketball and help my team win. On the bench not on the bench, cheer for my teammates and try to stay positive, but I don’t know what the situation is. I don’t know why they’re shutting me down this early.”

Kanter is definitely not a happy camper right now, and it will be interesting to see how this situation develops over the next few days/weeks.