Tag: Enes Kanter

Enes Kanter writes ‘Freedom’ on his shoes for Christmas game in Canada

Boston Celtics veteran big man Enes Kanter was unsure if he was going to play against the Toronto Raptors during their matchup on Christmas.

Boston Celtics veteran big man Enes Kanter was unsure if he was going to play against the Toronto Raptors during their matchup on Christmas.

Kanter, 27, has been outspokenly against the Turkish government since 2013. The country has retaliated against his comments and has since even canceled his passport, making travel increasingly difficult.

During the 2017 offseason, while hosting a basketball camp in Indonesia, he fled the country while fearing for his own safety — which caused the hashtag #FreeEnes to trend on Twitter.

(Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images)

Since the incident, he has avoided international travel. He recently wrote about why this causes so much heartbreak for him (via The Globe and Mail):

“Every time I go to a new city to play, I am humbled and inspired by my amazing fans, who keep encouraging me to be who I am. But I haven’t been able to go to cities outside the United States. I’ve had to leave my team behind, which is hard for someone like me, who values camaraderie and team solidarity as much as I do. The reason: I speak out against the Turkish state.”

The big man wrote that he often receives death threats for his activism and has survived a kidnapping attempt during his professional career. As such, he has skipped previous trips with his team to London and Canada.

But according to Kanter, he was promised safety for the game in Toronto:

“I want to thank Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s government, U.S. and Canadian law enforcement, U.S. Senator Ed Markey, the Celtics, the NBA and my managers for working diligently to make my Christmas game against the Raptors possible and ensuring my safety there. And, on Christmas day, I will play in my first game as a Celtic outside the U.S. when I take the court against the Raptors.”

Before the game, he tweeted that he was “free” and included an emoji of the Canadian flag to thank the country for helping in the process.

He also posted a video of him stepping on soil outside of the United States for the first time in years, adding that “freedom should be as free as the air we breathe” in his caption.

While the word “freedom” means different things to different people, there is even more significance with the writing on his sneakers for this game.

Kanter brings a unique perspective and appreciation for the Christmas game considering he was so uncertain if he would even have the possibility to play. But he was able to make the trip, which could set a precedent for how other countries handle his situation in the future.

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Enes Kanter assured of safe travel to play Toronto on Christmas

Assured of safe travel, Boston Celtics big man Enes Kanter will make the trip to Canada to play the Toronto Raptors on Christmas Day.

Enes Kanter is going to make the trip to Canada for Christmas Day.

There had been doubt the Turkish big man would be able to travel north of the border for the Boston Celtics’ holiday tilt against the Toronto Raptors, and with the team down big men Robert Williams III and Vincent Poirier, there was legitimate concern about the health of the frontcourt rotation.

Kanter’s dilemma arose from the revocation of his passport in 2017 due to his opposition of human rights abuses by the Turkish government under president Recep Tayyip Erdogan, making international travel a dicy affair for the Zurich native.

Erdogan’s government issued an international arrest warrant, meaning any government could decide to turn him over to Turkish authorities at any moment while he’s abroad.

Penning a letter of thanks in the Canadian newspaper The Globe and Mail, Kanter made a point of thanking the people of Canada for standing with him by assuring safe passage for the outspoken center, in particular those who helped make the trip a safe one.

” I want to thank Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s government, U.S. and Canadian law enforcement, U.S. Senator Ed Markey, the Celtics, the NBA and my managers for working diligently to make my Christmas game against the Raptors possible and ensuring my safety there,” wrote Kanter.

“Standing up for something we believe in makes us better humans,” added the 6-foot-10 big man.

With the political aspect looming in the background of Wednesday’s game finally sorted, the contest can go ahead without risk of incident, allowing the focus to be on the players and their play instead.

“I couldn’t be happier that these people have worked together to stand up to Turkey’s injustice and that I will finally get to join my team and do what I do best: play basketball,” closed Kanter.

DeAndre Jordan did something only 3 players ever have in NBA history

DeAndre Jordan had a big night in the Brooklyn Nets’ win over the Atlanta Hawks on Saturday.

DeAndre Jordan had one of his biggest performances as a member of the Brooklyn Nets on Saturday against the Atlanta Hawks.

While logging season-highs in rebounds (20) and assists (six), Jordan also worked his way to his sixth double-double of the season, scoring 12 points in the 122-112 win. Ten of his 20 rebounds came in the fourth quarter, which is the highest number of rebounds a single quarter by a Nets player this year.

Though, grabbing 20-plus rebounds isn’t something new for Jordan, in general. Saturday was the 60th time he’s done so in his career. Makes sense, given he’s one of the best rebounders, if not the best, of his time.

But there’s more to Jordan’s night.

First, the big man is the first Nets player to grab 20-plus rebounds off the bench in a game since 1999. Only four other Nets have done the same: Jayson Williams (three times), Chris Dudley (twice), Jamie Feick and Mike Gminski.

Things go further, though.

Jordan is now the only player in the NBA who has grabbed 17-plus rebounds off the bench in a game on more than one occasion. Boston Celtics center Enes Kanter is the only other one who’s grabbed 17-plus off the bench once this year.

Furthermore, Jordan became only the third player in NBA history to log at least 12 points, 20 rebounds and six assists in one game. Only Kanter and NBA legend Charles Barkley have also done the same.

Quite the night, to say the least.

Enes Kanter might get an assist to travel — from Canada’s Trudeau

Boston Celtics center Enes Kanter’s activism has made his personal life difficult. But he’s also made some powerful allies who could help.

The Boston Celtics might just get an assist from Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau for their game against the Toronto Raptors.

The popular Canadian politician won’t be suiting up for the fabled Massachusetts franchise, but could help confirm whether outspoken Celtics center Enes Kanter can travel to the U.S.’ northern neighbor without incident.

Kanter is known for speaking out against human rights abuses, and has had a longstanding feud with the president of his ancestral Turkish homeland — Recep Tayyip Erdogan — over abuses committed by the Turkish government that has come at great personal cost.

His family has experienced intense political pressure and discrimination, and Kanter himself had his Turkish passport revoked and an international arrest warrant issued over allegations of ties to terrorists that has made international travel a risky venture.

This put the political young big man’s Christmas Day availability into question, and with the Celtics already down two centers to injury, it represented something of a problem for the team.

At least, perhaps, until now.

“I have a phone conversation with [Prime Minister] Justin Trudeau,” Kanter explained (via WBUR’s Shira Springer). “So, that’s gonna be very exciting … I’m literally gonna ask, like, ‘Hey, I’m coming to your country. Is it OK for me to come?'”

Kanter’s activism has made him some powerful political allies in the United States and Massachusetts, and he doesn’t plan to relax on his engagement with important social issues any time soon. In fact, he may even run for office one day after getting his citizenship.

“I’m actually thinking about becoming an American politician. Maybe a senator,” he offered.

No one would blame the Turkish big man if the personal costs costing his family jobs, him his ability to visit them or even travel abroad became too much to bear. He’s often asked by his NBA peers why he continues to be so vocal about the rights of others given the intense personal costs.

“For me, it’s principles over anything, over business, over money, over endorsement deals,” Kanter explained. “This is way bigger than basketball because it doesn’t just affect me. It affects millions of people.”

While the Zurich native’s struggle for human rights will not end anytime soon, he may well end up being able to play for the Celtics on Christmas Day if his well-connected allies can get the 6-foot-10 center’s travel plans sorted.

While being able to play against Toronto is nothing in comparison to the struggles Kanter puts his career on the line for, Canadian assurances for his safe travel would be a fitting way to acknowledge the risks he takes for total strangers on a day we all ought to be thinking of others first.

Let’s hope Trudeau is no Grinch.

Enes Kanter ‘disappointed’ Kyrie Irving was absent during Nets loss

Always ready to entertain the fans, Enes Kanter was unhappy he couldn’t get to face the last person who wore #11 for the Boston Celtics (Kyrie Irving) in Wednesday night’s matchup with the Brooklyn Nets.

Boston Celtics big man Enes Kanter was not alone in his disappointment that he and the rest of his team would not get the chance to face off against now-Brooklyn Nets point guard Kyrie Irving on his old home court.

The letdown was a point of conversation on a recent episode of the “Enes Kanter Show,” a new series hosted by NBC Boston where the outspoken Turkish center shares his thoughts (as he is known to do).

Recently returned from an extended absence resulting from a knee contusion sustained in the Celtics’ loss to the Philadelphia 76ers in the season opener, Kanter says that Boston had been “waiting for this moment for a long time.”

“I’m disappointed. I’ll be honest,” Kanter offered (via NBC Sports’ Justin Leger). “We’ve been waiting for this moment for a long time, and now he’s hurt and not playing? I’m really disappointed.”

“From what I’ve heard from the fans, it’s going to be very interesting,” he explained, alluding to the heavily-anticipated moment when the capricious point guard finally steps back onto the Garden parquet as an opponent.

With Irving’s shoulder impingement likely to have him out into the month of December, that matchup will have to be put on hold for the moment, though not forever and certainly not as long as some Celtics fans are suggesting.

The tilt — sans Irving — was by all accounts interesting despite the former Celtic’s absence, with Boston’s new starting point guard Kemba Walker stealing the show with a 39-point, 6 rebound return from a scary neck injury on Friday.

The Nets put up a fight without their star floor general, leading for much of the contest before falling 121-110 as Boston pulled away late in the game.

“There’s two games, of course, and he’s going to come back,” Kanter considers, referencing the fact the team will play Brooklyn at home one more time in the regular season, on Mar. 3; “We’re going to welcome him somehow.”

Knowing Enes the Menace, he’s probably not talking about a video tribute.

Is Grant Williams in danger of being pushed out of the rotation?

Boston Celtics rookie forward Grant Williams could see his minutes cut significantly, if not entirely, once Boston becomes fully healthy.

Ever since Enes Kanter’s return to the Boston Celtics’ rotation, one player’s minutes have suffered above all others: rookie forward Grant Williams.

Following the knee injury that Kanter sustained in the season opener against the Philadelphia 76ers, Williams averaged 18.2 minutes per game in six contests, all games that the veteran missed. Yet, the last three games that they’ve both been available has seen Williams average 13.2 minutes per game in two contests and receive a DNP (against the Sacramento Kings).

It was unexpected, perhaps, but the problem has less to do with Kanter and more to do with Williams. Despite being a 6-foot-6 power forward with solid passing ability, Williams doesn’t stretch the floor (he’s 0-14 from three for the season) and has been most productive as a center.

Unfortunately for Williams, Boston has a stable of bigs at their disposal and three — including Kanter — more deserving of minutes because they’re more useful at the center position.

Third-year center Daniel Theis, their starter, combines know-how with the ability to score inside and out as well as protect the rim. Second-year center Robert Williams III is simply an elite shot-blocker who can facilitate as well. Kanter is a skilled low-post scorer that’s one of the few reasons Boston doesn’t have the worst scoring bench in the league.

Looking at Williams’ natural position, potential All-Star Jayson Tatum has played the bulk of his minutes (85%) at power forward while playing a team-high 34.4 minutes per game. While that presents natural issues for giving Williams significant minutes, the other issue is the presence of forward Semi Ojeleye, a player that’s as versatile a defender as Williams and a better scorer too.

Ojeleye has played more than 10 minutes in five games this season and played 21 minutes while Williams recorded his DNP against the Kings. Most importantly, Ojeleye knocked down three 3-pointers against Sacramento.

Boston is shooting 37.0% from three (ranked 7th in the NBA) and knocking down 12.8 threes per game (ranked 12th in the NBA), so their outside shooting isn’t a problem as a whole. However, comparing the usefulness of Williams and Ojeleye, one can see how Celtics head coach Brad Stevens may not give Williams heavy minutes any time soon.

When playmaking forward Gordon Hayward — whose spent 14% of his minutes at power forward — returns, the situation becomes even more murky for the 22nd overall pick.

Boston may very well move Williams to the backend of their rotation for an indefinite period.

It may seem silly to think that Williams’ inability to shoot from deep could keep him from being a bigger rotation piece but he shrinks the floor, making it easier for teams to guard the Celtics inside and force them to be a jump shooting team.

When the rookie is on the floor for Boston, the offense has a rating of 105.8, only besting rookie point guard Carsen Edwards (103.2). For the season, the Celtics have an offensive rating of 112.5 (ranked third in the NBA).

On the flip side, Boston has a defensive rating of 101.9 with Williams on the court, the third-lowest of their team. For comparison, the Celtics have a ranking of 111.5 when Ojeleye is on the court.

That said, Williams’ biggest hope should be that his defense is needed and his 3-point shooting becomes more like what he showed in the preseason — when he shot 41.7% on 3.0 attempts per game — than what he’s shown so far in the regular season.

Moving forward, the amount that Stevens utilizes Williams will be one of the more interesting trends to watch.

*Unless otherwise referenced, stats gathered from Basketball Reference

Injury Report: Robert Williams III, Daniel Theis downgraded to out vs. Wizards

With Boston Celtics centers Robert Williams III and Daniel Theis out, Celtics head coach Brad Stevens will have to rely on a pair of rookies to help protect the rim in their absence.

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Per an announcement from the Boston Celtics, centers Robert Williams III (right ankle sprain) and Daniel Theis (little finger sprain) won’t be suiting up against the Washington Wizards.

Theis was listed as questionable as recently as Tuesday and Celtics head coach Brad Stevens appeared hopeful that Theis could play after shootaround, per Boston.com. Though team doctors have held him out against Washington, Boston will face off against the hobbled Golden State Warriors on Nov. 15, a game in which he may return.

Williams wasn’t listed on yesterday’s injury report and Stevens said nothing after shootaround to indicate that he wouldn’t be playing. So, the injury seems to have occurred shortly before the team’s scheduled  7:30 p.m. ET tipoff.

Though Theis and Williams bring similar elements to the game in terms of their rim-protection and rim-running ability, they’re largely different players with Williams playing the part of an extraordinary athlete and elite shot-blocker (as well as finisher) and Theis being a heady pivot who can stretch the floor.

Without either center available, Celtics center Enes Kanter — who started in the season opener — may open the game in the starting unit with either Vincent Poirier or Grant Williams (or both) playing the five when he’s off the floor.

How Brad Stevens and a maniacal Marcus Smart have saved the Celtics defense

Marcus Smart’s fantastic start to the season is fueling the Celtic’s defense.

Count me as one of those people who thought the Celtics would be terrible after losing Al Horford. Kyrie Irving was their best scorer, sure. But Horford was their Swiss Army knife.

He defended, stretched the floor and, in some cases, would even guard the best player on the opposing team.  It’s rare that we see a 3&D big man scampering around the NBA, but Horford was exactly that for the Celtics.

Over his three seasons with Boston, he shot 38 percent from 3-point range, anchored their defense and spent time in May locking up Joel Embiid and Giannis Antetokounmpo. He was a fulcrum offensively with his passing and screen setting. He constantly set the table for the team on both ends.

It’s not easy to find a guy who is a plus on offense, and who can guard Joel Embiid and Giannis Antetokounmpo if you needed him to. It should be impossible not to take a step back after losing a player like that — especially when you replace him with a player like Enes Kanster.

No disrespect to Enes, but his most notable moment in the NBA might be this:

It’s reasonable to expect a big dip in defense, especially as the Celtics also lost a rim protector in Aron Baynes. But not only have the Celtics survived — they’re thriving. They’ve racked up eight straight wins and are sitting atop the East, and the defense has actually … improved.

Here’s how they’ve done it.

Brad Stevens has trusted Daniel Theis and Robert Williams

The Celtics 102.4 defensive rating so far ranks 8th in the league this season, but it’s a more stingy rating than they ever had through three seasons with Horford on the back end of their defense.

Part of the reason why, ironically enough, is that they haven’t played Horford’s theoretical replacement: Kanter. Kanter has been hurt — he played in the season opener against the 76ers and didn’t play again until last night’s game against the Mavericks.

His absence has allowed Daniel Theis and Robert Williams to blossom as a one-two punch at center. They’re averaging a combined 3.7 blocks per game so far this year. Brad Stevens is asking them to do what they’re comfortable doing — protecting the rim. So far, it’s working.

They’re leaning into it. Their top five most played lineups feature either Theis or Williams at center. Stevens will have to figure out how to get Kanter minutes without sacrificing their rim protection, but it’s a good problem to have.

Marcus Smart is a maniac

Smart just likes to terrorize things. Watching him on defense right now is an adventure, and Stevens has given him the green light to wreak havoc. It’s fun.

Dribbling around him is a no-go. Don’t do it. Just ask RJ Barrett what happens when you do.

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It’s not just that, though. He also willingly guards power forwards. That’s insane already. But that’s before even considering the fact that he’s actually good at it.

When they try to face up against him, he gets up underneath them and doesn’t allow them to put the ball down.

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He also stonewalls dudes in the post as a 6’4, 220-pound guard.

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That’s special stuff that you can’t really replicate with any one player. He’s been the Swiss Army knife that Horford was for them, but in guard form.

I literally cannot think of another guard that can do this. I’m also pretty sure that there isn’t one that actually WANTS to do this. Smart is just insane.

Just look at these numbers. So far, he’s forced 24 turnovers so far this season. He’s only committed eight of them himself. Players are shooting a mere 28.8% when being guarded by Smart this season. That’s a Defensive Player of the Year resume if I’ve ever seen one.

It’s tough to say whether the Celtics will keep this up on defense — especially as Kanter eases his way back into the lineup. It’s worth keeping an eye on, though.

Every special defense has a special player. Right now, Smart is looking like that guy in Boston.

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Injury report: Enes Kanter cleared to play for first time since season opener

Boston Celtics center Enes Kanter is finally ready to return from a knee contusion that kept him out for nearly three weeks of action.

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If it seems like Enes Kanter hasn’t played much for the Boston Celtics this season, that’s because he hasn’t.

After signing a two-year deal with the Celtics over the offseason, seeking to team up with Kemba Walker and play for Boston’s revered franchise, the nine-year veteran has been out since the team’s regular season opener against the Philadelphia 76ers on Oct. 23 due to a left knee contusion.

Kanter, who started the game in a rather unexpected move by Celtics head coach Brad Stevens, recorded 12 points, six rebounds and two assists in 25 minutes.

The team has been hopeful Kanter would be cleared since last week but it wouldn’t be until Monday,  Nov. 11 — the day of Boston’s nationally-televised matchup against the Dallas Mavericks — that Kanter would be cleared by the Celtics’ medical staff.

Per the Athletic’s Jay King, Kanter told reporters that the training staff had cleared him after shootaround, “so [he’s] good to go tonight.”

Kanter may not start against the Mavericks considering he’s been out for nearly three weeks and the Celtics have won seven straight games without him.

However, with Gordon Hayward’s scoring punch set to be missing from the starting lineup for a few weeks after the versatile forward fractured his hand against the San Antonio Spurs on Saturday, Stevens may want to have Kanter in the starting unit as an experienced offensive threat in place of the longtime Utah Jazz star.