i have to admit that at the beginning, i had very high expectations referring to enes kanter. in his first game, you could see that he was nervous and wanted to show everyone what he was able to do. so he was playing like 120 percent and seemed a little bit rusty and uncontrolled. sometimes a little bit disappointing. but we have to agree that this was absolutely normal for someone who hasn't played real organised basketball for two years but he has improved so quickly within a week.
he is one of the best rebounders i have seen, he's good from the freethrow line, he has solid range and some solid moves around the basket. his soft touch is really impressive, too. but what was really above what i expected, is his defense. yesterday for example, he defended the power forward of belgium very well, who is a perimeter oriented face up type of a player. enes is quicker as i expected and he showed that he can guard the perimeter too, if needed. his one on one defense is solid as well. he won't be such a bad defender as boozer, he will become an above average defender in this league. his shot blocking is also underrated. he might not be an excellent leaper and doesn't have the longest arms, but his timing is solid and he will be an average shot blocker in this league. his overall athleticizm and quickness is solid, so he can easily play the power forward position. what sets him appart from other players is his rebounding and his physical play (he always seems like the player who is looking for body contact with his opponent first). there aren't many 19 year old players with such a great combination of body frame, size, strength and high motor. he hustles for every play and looks like he wants to get every single rebound. he is a banger. he has quick hands on the defensive end, too.
he had 7 points and 8 rebounds in 14 minutes yesterday and today, he had 12 points and 4 rebounds in 13 minutes. the sky is really the limit for this guy. his offense and defense are all above average for his age and his rebounding is on an elite level. he has the tools, the willingness and the work ethic to become an elite big man in this league. for sure, there is much room to improve because he is so young, but he has great tools do deal with. i believe in a future around him and favors. those two will be a deadly duo in three years. he reminds me a lot of a bigger and more physical, thougher version of al horford. he and favors have the pontential to become 20-10 players in this league, imo. i'm very optimistic about our future as a jazz fan. it's going to be great, we just need some patience.
remember the guys saying he is a bust. this guy plays for a turkish team that has a horrible coach and horrible guards and enes also does not get the playing time he deserves. he easily has been the most impressive player for the turkish national team again after yesterday. for having not played two years and still putting solid numbers in a short period of time is impressive. my rating is a B- for what i have seen of him so far. and i'm happy we have drafted enes kanter. the draft night and the deron williams trade will turn out great in three years, you guys will see. enes can come in right away and average 10 rebounds in his rookie season, but we don't have much playing time left for him with our big man rotation. he is a hard worker and quick learner so i expect like 6 points and 6 boards in his rookie season, the year after like 10 points and 7 boards, the year after 13 points and 8 boards, the year after 16 points and 9 boards, the year after like 18 and 10. you will see, he will become better and better each year with the potential to become a 20-10 player one day.