Enes and I spoke today. As far as I’m concerned I’ve enjoyed coaching him the whole time I’ve been here. – Quin Snyder
SALT LAKE CITY — The big question Wednesday night at the Zions Bank Basketball Center was: What would Enes Kanter say to the media a week after saying he hoped to be traded by the Utah Jazz?
Turns out he said nothing.
Kanter was not made available for interviews, despite requests by the media, as Jazz players Gordon Hayward, Trey Burke and Rodney Hood all took their turns speaking to the largest media gathering at the facility since the preseason.
Kanter did acknowledge the media, however, smiling as he walked to the locker room and blowing a kiss after the media was allowed into the gym following practice. A few minutes later while the media folks were talking to coach Quin Snyder, Kanter returned to the floor to work with assistant coach Brad Jones for a few minutes. But he still wasn’t talking.
Snyder discussed the Kanter situation gingerly, saying he likes Kanter and hopes he stays with the team. He said he spoke to Kanter before practice but it was the usual talk about improving and playing defense.
“Enes and I spoke today. As far as I’m concerned I’ve enjoyed coaching him the whole time I’ve been here,’’ Snyder said. “There was nothing spectacular about the conversation in any way. I think our whole group is committed to improving the best we can, Enes included, and that’s the message that’s there and the whole group understands that.’’
The Jazz have been off for a week since losing to Dallas the previous Wednesday night, after which Kanter made his controversial comments about a desire to be traded.
Not only did Snyder downplay the comment, but so did Kanter’s teammates.
“We’re all professionals here and guys are going to make their own decisions,’’ said Hayward. “He’s my teammate and I’ve enjoyed the time I’ve had with him as far as being with the Jazz and if he continues to be with the Jazz I’ll love it too. Whatever happens happens, it’s a business. I learned my rookie year that things aren’t going to stay the same most of the time.’’
Burke said he didn’t even know about Kanter’s comments until he got to New York for the Rising Stars Challenge, which he participated in with teammates Rudy Gobert and Dante Exum, last week.
“He didn’t say anything to anyone — I think he was kind of down and let the emotions get the best of him,’’ Burke said. “Enes is a great guy, has a great heart, no one on this team dislikes him. We understand we’re all human beings and let the emotions get the best of us at times. So we understand, if he’s still here, and we hope he is, we’re definitely going to treat him the same way and he's still going to have a significant role on this team.’’
Snyder reiterated how pleased he is with how well Kanter has played so far this year.
“I like Enes,’’ he said. “Over the course of the first half of the year he has really improved. I’d like to see that continue. I think he understands even more now what he needs to do to be better and to help us.’’
JAZZ NOTES: Two Jazz players who have been out with injuries practiced with the team Wednesday night. Joe Ingles, who has been out with a lower back injury, practiced fully, while Rodney Hood, who has been out with an injured foot, only practiced partially, although he said he expects to play Friday night with “restricted minutes.’’ ... The Jazz will practice Thursday afternoon after the NBA trade deadline and get ready to play Portland Friday night. Then they’ll await a visit from the defending NBA champion San Antonio Spurs Monday night.