Enes Kanter has received criticism for his perceived defensive ineptitude for most of his career, with his lack of lateral quickness and sub-par defensive IQ being the primary targets. Perception is everything, and while Kanter is never going to make an All-NBA defensive team, he plays his role with devotion and energy.
It’s easy to forget the 6’11’’ Turkish big was the starting center for the Portland Trail Blazers during their run to the Western Conference Finals in the 2018-2019 season, going toe-to-toe with the likes of Steven Adams, Nikola Jokic and Andrew Bogut during that run.