Enes Kanter Freedom is a Turkish-American former professional basketball player and human rights activist. Born Enes Kanter on May 20, 1992, he played 11 seasons as a center in the NBA for teams including the Utah Jazz, Oklahoma City Thunder, New York Knicks, Portland Trail Blazers and Boston Celtics.
Basketball career
Kanter entered the NBA as the third overall pick in the 2011 draft, selected by the Utah Jazz. Known for his size, rebounding and ability to score near the basket, he became a productive offensive center during his career. He later played for the Oklahoma City Thunder, New York Knicks, Portland Trail Blazers and Boston Celtics. His NBA career ended after the 2021-22 season, when he was playing under the name Enes Kanter Freedom.
Kanter was especially effective as a rebounder and interior scorer, although his limited defensive mobility often affected his role. He was generally valued for his offensive production, physical strength and energy around the rim.
Activism and political views
Kanter became internationally known for criticizing Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and speaking about human rights, democracy and freedom of expression. His political activism was connected to his support for the movement associated with Turkish cleric Fethullah Gülen, whom the Turkish government blamed for the failed 2016 coup attempt.
Kanter has said that Turkey revoked his passport and that he could not safely return to the country. His criticism also affected his relationship with some members of his family, according to interviews and published reports.
He later adopted the surname “Freedom,” publicly presenting himself as Enes Kanter Freedom. Human rights organizations and educational institutions have described him as an activist who uses his public profile to draw attention to alleged abuses in Turkey, China and elsewhere.
Public profile
Kanter’s activism sometimes created controversy within professional basketball, particularly when he criticized China and the NBA’s business relationships there. Supporters view him as a prominent athlete willing to risk his career for political principles, while critics dispute aspects of his political positions and public campaigns. His legacy therefore extends beyond basketball. He is remembered both as a skilled NBA center and as one of the league’s most outspoken political and human rights advocates.