Portland Trail Blazers: Q&A with Enes Kanter

Check out a quick Q&A with the newest Portland Trail Blazers big man, Enes Kanter.

The newest player to enter the Portland Trail Blazers fray is none other than Enes Kanter. After being waived by the New York Knicks at this year’s February 7 trade deadline, the Turkish big man chose to make Rip City his new home for the remainder of the season over several other suitors.

There’s no doubt that Kanter is a force in the low block and on the glass. At the rate he gobbles up points and rebounds, he is a threat for a double-double each and every night.

He will likely log his first minutes as a Blazer in Brooklyn against the Nets tonight (February 21), in what will hopefully be the first of many productive stints. When first signing, he said his goal was to help this club compete for a championship – we will finally see this in action.

In the meantime, here are five questions with Enes Kanter:

Q: What are you most excited about in coming over to Portland?

Excited to be in the city, Portland is amazing! The training facility, the team, the city — it is all top notch!
Getting a text from guys like Damian Lillard inviting me to the team means a lot! Im excited to win!

Q: How do you see yourself fitting on this Blazers team?

I see myself as an elite rebounder, and post player. I’m hungry and want to win! I want to stick up for my teammates when we go into the playoffs! I’m here to protect my guys.

Q: The recent iterations of the Blazers haven’t necessarily had that typical enforcer or “bully” type presence that you’re known for. Do you think you’ll bring a different type of toughness to this group?

I disagree. We have Jusuf Nurkic. He’s one of the stronger bigs in the league. He can score, defend, pass. I’m a fan of his game. I think I will bring that and we should be one of the best rebounding teams which helps a lot, especially in playoffs. With teams going small, me and Nurk can take advantage.

Q: You and Bruise Brother Steven Adams enjoyed success both on-and off-the-court in Oklahoma City. Do you see the potential for a similar dynamic to develop with Blazers center Jusuf Nurkic?

I do. I am not sure if we will play on the court at the same time yet — but I know we will make opposing bigs work hard and get them exhausted.

Q: So, you find yourself on your fourth team in eight years, although you’ve produced throughout your career. Can you talk about how you’ve responded/adjusted to the movement you’ve experienced?

This is a business. We all know that. One of the benefits of playing on multiple teams is you learn more sets and plays. Sometimes I remember the plays of former teams, and it helps me be a more efficient player. Each teammate also helps me become better!

Don’t miss Kanter’s first game! The Portland Trail Blazers take on the Brooklyn Nets at 4:30 P.S.T.