Enes Kanter being traded from the Jazz to the Thunder was among the flurry of moves leading up to this year’s NBA trade deadline.
Prior to the deadline, there was growing speculation Kanter would be moved after indicating he preferred to be traded away from Utah. The 22-year-old eventually got his wish.
The Thunder were in Utah Saturday to take on the Jazz, who came away with a 94-89 victory. Continuing his impressive run with Oklahoma City, Kanter posted 18 points, 11 rebounds, and two blocked shots in the loss. As Jazz reserve Trevor Booker noted after the game, this was nothing new for Kanter.
Trevor Booker on Enes Kanter: He did what he always does. He got his stats. He didn't defend. He took an L (a loss)
— Tony Jones (@Tjonessltrib) March 29, 2015
Ouch.
While Kanter is skilled on the offensive end, he is far from a stalwart on defense so Booker’s point is valid and one that has been echoed by Jazz fans. Combine that with Kanter’s comments about not wanting to play for the Jazz anymore and you have the recipe for a someone who isn’t popular in the state of Utah these days.
This was the scene during pregame introductions as Kanter soaked up the boos he received.
