Portland Trail Blazers: Pros and Cons to bringing back Enes Kanter

CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - APRIL 18: Enes Kanter #11 of the Portland Trail Blazers is guarded by P.J. Washington #25 of the Charlotte Hornets in the third quarter during their game at Spectrum Center on April 18, 2021 in Charlotte, North Carolina. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images) /

4 of 5

(Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images) /

Con – he doesn’t stretch the floor

Kanter, unfortunately, doesn’t stretch the floor out to three-point range. Though he has a decent jumper and can knock down the odd 12-footer, he has never been allowed to shoot threes at a consistent rate on an NBA court. ‘

He shoots free throws in the high 70s, which is pretty strong conversion, but he doesn’t yet have the touch from three to be taking three or four shots a game from out there.

Because NBA teams don’t like to have two non-shooters on the court, it means that Kanter always has to have four shooters playing alongside him. Some teams get away with having two non-shooters on the door, but it is rare, and usually leads to a poorer NBA offense, unless of course, you are Joel Embiid or someone similar.

The NBA is all about spacing and shooting, especially when you are next to a guy like Lillard.

There’s no reason that Kanter can’t start attempting threes next season, as this would help the Blazers spacing next season, and obviously elevate his game too.