In the duel between the Mavericks and Cavaliers, LeBron James had said that Mavs-Rookie Dennis Smith was supposed to play for the Knicks. As a result, he was sharply criticized by Enes Kanter on Sunday.
“The Knicks decided against a really good one and Dallas got a rough diamond,” New York had opted instead for Frank Ntilikina in the draft and James’ statements were seen by many as a side-stroke against former Knicks decision-maker Phil Jackson.
The answers from New York didn’t take long, of course. Kristaps Porzingis said on Sunday that he did not know why James made these statements,”but I can only say that we are very satisfied with Frank. He plays very well and does exactly what he is supposed to do. I wouldn’t trade it for anyone, quite simply.”
I don’t care who it is, but I can’t let anyone talk about my family so disrespectfully,”explained Kanter,” It doesn’t matter whether it’s LeBron or anybody else. The coaches, the GMs, the organization already knows what they’re doing. I mean, come on. That’s a rookie. You can’t talk about him like that.”
Ntilikina herself said that he doesn’t care about the statements:”Everybody can think what he wants,”said the Frenchman,”it doesn’t concern me.” The cavs will perform on Tuesday night in New York (1.30 a. m. in the LEAGUE PASS).