Boston Celtics big man Enes Kanter Freedom recently became a US Citizen and also changed his last name to “Freedom.” The Turkish center, who was actually born in Switzerland, spoke on why he chose this name. Via Chris Forsberg:
“I wanted to make that word part of me, because that was the word that I fought for my whole life. That was the word that I try to stand up my whole life.” What should we call him now? “Mr. Freedom.”
Enes Freedom on reason for name change:
“I wanted to make that word part of me, because that was the word that I fought for my whole life. That was the word that I try to stand up my whole life.”
What should we call him now?
“Mr. Freedom.”
— Chris Forsberg (@ChrisForsberg_) November 30, 2021
The Celtics center has been very outspoken on human rights in China and Turkey and even had his passport revoked in the country where he grew up because of how vocal he's been on the matter.
Kanter blasted Chinese president Xi Jinpeng for being a dictator, which resulted in the nation banning all Celtics games. He put LeBron James on blast as well for his relationship with Nike in China. Over in Turkey, he also referred to their president as a dictator and they even tried arresting him at one point after linking him to in a 2016 coup, but he denied the allegations.
Kanter's jersey will have Freedom on the back when the Celtics take on the Philadelphia 76ers on Wednesday. He also said that his teammates are already referring to him by his new name.
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