Every New York athlete says they love the city, and truly enjoy playing for it during their season. But Knicks C Enes Kanter the Big Apple life every day.
Since he was traded from Oklahoma City to New York to play for the Knicks, Kanter has fallen in love with the hustle and bustle of the city streets. Kanter would have been an intriguing free-agent candidate this past offseason had he opted out of his contract with his player option. Instead, he decided to remain a Knicks, and continue to work with the young, rebuilding squad.
And a major impact on Kanter's decision was New York City -- a place he isn't afraid to walk around freely despite being a professional athlete in town.
In fact, he fancies some of the biggest spots in the city.
"I actually go to TIme Square a lot," he told CNBC's Catherine Clifford. "It's going to sound very weird; I go through Times Square a lot because it's a very different and weird place. There is a lot of weird people out there. And I just go and watch them."
Had a very interesting day in
- Enes Kanter (@Enes_Kanter) August 8, 2018
New York lol 😂 #NYStyle 🤗 pic.twitter.com/EupoHWRA4B
But, of course, a 6-foot-11 man that looks exactly like a basketball player raises some eyebrows, and fans soon want to capture their moment with the Turkish center.
"And then whenever I go there, of course, it becomes very crazy because people want to take a picture, people cannot believe a Knicks player just walk around Times Square," he explained.
It doesn't stop there, though. Kanter also took a crack at a subway ride. And the love continued to shower him as he met some fans.
"I took a sunway one day, and the people in the subway were just looking at me: 'What is this 6-foot-11 Knicks players doing in the subway?' I'm like, you know, 'I'm just taking the subway, just experiencing something different," he said. "And it was an awesome experience."
So whether it's just driving around the boroughs, or stopping for a photo shoot with fans in Times Square, Kanter wakes up every day feeling blessed he gets to don a Knicks jersey to represent New York.
"From the day one, I fall in love with this city, fall in love with the fans," he said. "And then they were so respectful. ...They opened their arms, give me a very warm welcome. So that's why I feel very lucky and very blessed to play in New York."
Knicks fans, keep your eyes peeled for Kanter when you walk around the city.