Enes Kanter is coming off one of the best seasons of his seven-year NBA career with the New York Knicks.Averaging 14.1 points and 11.0 rebounds in just 25.8 minutes per game, he established himself as a productive starter for his rebuilding team.The 26-year-old center currently has an $18.6 million player option to decide on for next season and he’s expected to announce his choice on Friday, per Marc Berman of the New York Post.Berman also noted that multiple teams are interested in offering Kanter long-term deals, but there’s no official indication as to what he’ll do. Through his words to the press and on social media, it’s obvious that Kanter loves playing in the Big Apple, though.When the Knicks selected center Mitchell Robinson with the 36th pick in the 2018 NBA Draft, it was most likely due in part because Kanter could opt out and leave, thus joining former Knick Kyle O’Quinn on the open market.However, Kanter saw Robinson’s selection a different way.

Extending a helping hand

“I watched videos [of Robinson],” Kanter told The New York Post about the 7-footer that didn’t play any college ball. “He’s athletic. He’s going to be really good for us. He can bring a lot of energy and have an effect on the defensive end and he’s just going to get better on offense.”

To help out Robinson, Kanter is open to the idea of taking him under his wing as a mentor, per Berman.

Therefore, at this point in time, it seems as though Kanter might be leaning towards staying in New York. His recent comments about new head coach David Fizdale add to that theory.

“With Coach Fizdale, I want to stay more,’’ Kanter told The New York Post in a phone interview Monday night, per NBA.com. “I know his mentality, I know how much freedom he gives to his players. It’s going to help my decision for sure. I think he’s going to change a lot of things. He seems like a relationship with him is like a friendship relationship. It’s not a player-coach relationship. I talked to him for two hours and it gives you so much confidence.’’

“I want to be with the Knicks, but I don’t know what’s going to happen on the last day,’’ Kanter added. “Teams are calling. I want to hear what the Knicks want to do first. If they say you’re free to walk away I may just talk to other teams. But it’s Knicks first.”

Since the Knicks were 29-53 last season and missed the playoffs for the fifth-straight year, it might benefit them if Kanter accepts his option, even with his huge salary. Since Kristaps Porzingis will miss a chunk of the year while recovering from his torn ACL, the team could rely on Kanter’s ability to score on the low block and rebound at a high level.

Plus, it never hurts having a passionate veteran in the locker room.