Enes Kanter seems keen on playing in Washington. Wizards fans would love select the Turkish big man with the sixth pick in the 2011 NBA Draft. And several recent mock drafts (here and here) seem to think Kanter will land in D.C.
Of course, none of this will matter if the Cavs, Timberwolves, Jazz or Raptors select him with one of the first five picks, which remains a likely scenario. But let's pretend Kanter *does* fall into the Wizards lap. Then the question is how Kanter fits with the Wizards, and more specifically, the frontcourt with JaVale McGee, Andray Blatche, Trevor Booker and Kevin Seraphin.
Well, I watched a lot of Wizards games last season, but I've only seen Kanter play on YouTube. So let's get a scout's take on his game (via SI.com's Sam Amick), then see how that translates onto the Wizards roster.
"He's a big, strong center, a legitimate NBA center. He plays hard -- extremely hard -- uses his body well, finishes around the basket. I think he's one of those guys who will have a long career. He knows who he is, and that's what I like about him. He's going to rebound, has good hands, scores around the basket -- you can throw it to him in the post. I don't see him being an All-Star, but I see a solid 10- or 12-year pro."
Yup, that'll do.
Sure, JaVale McGee improved his post game and Blatche can fill it up when the mood is right, but the Wizards lack a consistent threat in the post. If Kanter could get Washington easy buckets inside that would put less pressure on John Wall to create in the halfcourt on possession after possession in late-game situations.
Kanter's rebounding might be even more welcome. The Wizards ranked second worst in the NBA in defensive rebounding rate, which measures the percentage of available defensive rebounds a team secures. That needs to improve.
So it seems like, on the surface at least, Kanter shores up two big Washington weaknesses with two of his big strengths. The only question remaining then is what, if anything, happens to McGee and Blatche. After being featured more prominently last season, it's hard to believe either would appreciate the role of apprenticing a replacement only several years their junior.
Would the Wizards consider moving McGee? The Washington Post's Michael Lee was recently told the Wizards have no interest in moving their current starting center. Would they be able to find a suitor to Andray Blatche or would they just test out a rotation that involves all three?
Anyway, enough of my yapping. Take a look at Kanter's game (below) and decide for yourself if he fits in the comments.