Knicks' Enes Kanter ready to mentor Mitchell Robinson

Kanter is ready to help

9/28/2018, 12:50 AM
New York Knicks center Enes Kanter (00) in the first half of an NBA basketball game Thursday, Jan. 25, 2018, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski) / David Zalubowski/AP
New York Knicks center Enes Kanter (00) in the first half of an NBA basketball game Thursday, Jan. 25, 2018, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski) / David Zalubowski/AP

Knicks rookie Mitchell Robinson continues to get praise from teammates, the latest coming from Enes Kanter.

Kanter spoke highly of the 20-year-old Robinson, who was a double-double machine during the Summer League, throwing down vicious dunks as he and fellow rookie Kevin Knox stole the show.

"He's a very talented guy," Kanter said, via ESPN. "He's hungry. He's very hungry to learn. He's willing to learn. That's the most important thing."

Kanter is uniquely qualified to understand the position Robinson is in. Neither player played college basketball, as Kanter was ruled ineligable and Robinson decided to train for the NBA Draft instead of enrolling at Western Kentucky. Kanter admitted that was tough for him and he's ready to be the veteran that Robinson can lean on it.

"I remember my first year. I didn't play college. He didn't play college. My first year I was very rusty," Kanter said. "That's why Al Jefferson helped me a lot. My job is to help him with everything. On the court stuff. Off the court stuff. He's done an unbelievable job putting the effort in, the work in."

That work may threaten Kanter's minutes, but the 26-year-old wants Robinson to have that hunger.

"He's hungry, humble and wants that (starting) spot too," Kanter said. "He's pushing for it. Like I said to Mitch, 'I'm going to be your best friend' and try to teach him everything."

The Knicks open preseason on Monday against the Wizards.

Popular in the Community