DENVER — The snow fell hard in this Rocky Mountain city on New Year’s Eve, and an Enes Kanter avalanche could be coming in the New Year.
Before Monday’s film session, David Fizdale addressed the Knicks about understanding their playing-time frustration, but asked them to try to refrain from expressing it publicly.
Following practice at a suburban rec center, Kanter was asked directly if he wanted to be traded. He stopped short of saying he wants out, but cryptically said several times to ask him again after the Knicks play the Nuggets on New Year’s Day.
Kanter has been beside himself after losing his starting job to undrafted second-year man Luke Kornet when the six-game trip commenced last week in Milwaukee.
“I like it here,’’ Kanter said. “I like the fans here. Lot of good people here. Lot of good teammates. And I’m trying to stay positive, trying to support my teammates. All I can do right now, it’s a test and it’s definitely one of the hardest tests of my career. I’ve just got to stay positive.
“I do love New York. I’ve got no problem with New York. I’ve got no problem with the team, the organization or the fans. I love the media. [But] I want to play.”
When asked a series of times on his feelings about the team’s philosophy regarding player development first, Kanter said: “Ask me after the game. I’ll have a better answer. … We’ll just talk about it after the game.’’
Indications are the franchise will abide by Kanter’s wishes, whatever they may be. Trading Kanter would seem a difficult task with his $18 million salary and expiring contract. The Knicks would have to take back a similar amount in player salary but would want it all as expiring money to preserve their 2019 cap space.
A playoff team undoubtedly would heavily consider Kanter, according to NBA sources, but more so as a free agent coming off a buyout.
Matters should only get worse when rookie center Mitchell Robinson returns from an ankle sprain — perhaps as soon Friday’s game with the Lakers. Kanter could find himself glued to the bench. Fizdale said Kornet will start against the mighty Nuggets, who lead the Western Conference at 23-11 and boast international big-man star Nikola Jokic.
“I did both in my career,’’ Kanter said. “I started in my career. I started in Utah. I came off the bench for the Thunder. It’s all about winning. All about winning.”
Kanter is coming off a scoreless, 0-for-6 performance, during which he was booed by Utah fans — still ticked he demanded a trade out of Salt Lake City in 2014.
The Knicks fell behind by 46 points en route to losing their 12th game in 13 outings. Kanter didn’t enter the contest until late in the first quarter and the club down 14. After the game, he went off, saying repeatedly he couldn’t understand “why they’re shutting me down so early.’’
Fizdale was moved Monday to deliver a speech to the players about handling playing-time adversity, saying he’s “not a robot.”
“We talked to the group about it — just frustrations that come being in and out of the lineup,’’ Fizdale said. “He’s not the only one. We got a bunch of them pulled in and out. I just wanted them to know I’m not a robot. I know what I’m doing may affect you one way or another, but you got to respond to it in the right way and make sure you bring yourself to work with a positive attitude and trying to contribute to the group.
“That’s what I keep pushing to them — staying with the group and chopping the tree.”
Indeed, veteran shooting guard Courtney Lee hasn’t played two of the past three games, playing in Milwaukee only because Tim Hardaway Jr. was ill.
Regardless of Kanter’s protests, Fizdale said he has to keep an eye on the long-term goal, especially with his team’s record having plummeted to 9-28.
“He’s frustrated and I got empathy for that,” Fizdale said. “He’s competitive, wants to play. At the same time, I have to keep doing what I think is necessary to keep the young guys going and at the same time try to sneak out a win.
“Every game we’re trying to go out and compete to win. I’m still experimenting, tinkering and looking at stuff. That’s where we’re at as a team. It would be different if my record was flipped, it would be a totally different thing. We’re not that type of team right now. We’re still chasing wins and player development is a huge part of this deal.”
Asked reaction to Bucks assistant Darvin Ham not getting a fine for bumping him on the court during the Giannis Antetokounmpo tiff, Kanter said, “He was a really tough peacemaker. Nah, I’m cool. That game is over.”