NBA: Celtics Double-Double Machine Points Out How Kyrie Irving Did Not Fit

Enes Kanter addresses a big void in the middle for the Boston Celtics which will now move on without several stars. One notable player who is no longer around is Kyrie Irving. Uncle Drew opted to take his act to the Brooklyn Nets and join Kevin Durant. Now, the Celtics will try to get something going with Kemba Walker.

Kanter fills in the void vacated by Al Horford and Marcus Morris. He has been known to be a hard-nosed big man. He is expected to control the boards and contribute in scoring - the bulk of which is expected to come from second-chance points. He reunites with Gordon Hayward, a teammate of his during their Utah Jazz days. It will be interesting as well as how he can blend with Walker.

But for the Turkish center, playing with Walker is something he is looking forward to. In fact, he is upbeat with the fellow newcomer, saying he would rather play with Walker than Irving in an interview with First Things First.

"Kyrie's definitely one of the best point guards. When I was with Portland & we played the Celtics [in Boston] I could feel the chemistry wasn't there. There was like a negative energy. ... Kemba is a really good leader. I'll definitely pick Kemba any day over Kyrie," he said.

All that is expected to show this coming 2019-20 NBA season. The Celtics will sport a new look although old faces like Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum remain on the team. However, a heavy load falls on the shoulders of the 27-year-old since he will have to double his efforts in filling up for the voids left by Horford and Morris.

In a previous post, Hayward reflected on his past stint with the Jazz alongside Kanter. He admits that when both started, things were a little different. Both have improved their games after years of experience. It will be interesting if their mature playing style will be enough to keep the Celtics campaign afloat.

As far as Hayward is concerned, it will be Kanter's energy that will spell a difference. He has taken note of what the third overall pick of the 2011 NBA Draft can do and now he is hoping it would rub off not only on him but the entire Celtics roster.

"Everyone's going to love his energy that he brings. He's one of the best offensive rebounders in the league, so that's going to be a no-doubt. He's gotten really good at that half-roll area and making decisions in there," Hayward said.