Sunday 30 December 2018 19:29, UK
New York Knicks center Enes Kanter has questioned coach David Fizdale's decision to reduce his playing time during the struggling franchise's past two games.
The 26-year-old was taken out of the starting five for Thursday's trip to face the Milwaukee Bucks and remained a reserve as the Knicks suffered their seventh straight defeat, against the Utah Jazz on Saturday.
Fizdale preferred Luke Kornet, citing increased spacing for the other players on his roster afforded by the youngster's superior long-range shooting.
"I don't understand. This is too early in the season to shut me down," Kanter said after the Jazz loss, per Newsday Sports' Steve Popper.
"My goal is to go out there and try to be an All-Star this year. That was my goal. But now, look at the situation.
"You can't do anything about it. You've got to stay positive, just got to stay positive."
Kanter joined the Knicks last season as part of the trade that sent Carmelo Anthony to the Oklahoma City Thunder.
The Turkish big man averaged 25.9 minutes per game in his first season with the Knicks and is actually averaging nearly one minute more this season, but has averaged just under 16 minutes in his two games coming off the bench.
Kanter is averaging 14.3 points and 10.6 rebounds this season for the Knicks, who have stumbled to a 9-28 start.
"I just want to go out there and play basketball," said Kanter, who went 0-for-6 from the field in Saturday's 129-97 loss.
"I want to win. I don't know why they're shutting me down. I just want to go out there and win."
