Former Celtics center, Enes Kanter Freedom, grabbed headlines after criticizing LeBron James for his political views last year. The former Celtics man attracted media attention once again recently for calling out LeBron James for his comments on Brittney Griner’s release from Russia. Meanwhile, Kanter believes that his opinions off the court have impacted his career in the league as he is yet to receive an offer from an NBA team this summer.
Enes Kanter Freedom, formerly known as Enes Kanter, called out LeBron James for his political stance on China last year. In fact, Freedom questioned King James’ silence on China’s alleged human rights violations. In other words, the 30-year-old believes that somebody like LeBron, who persistently speaks out against social injustices in America, should be consistent in his views.
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Apart from calling out LeBron James for his stance on China, Kanter Freedom also criticized the Lakers legend for his comments on Brittney Griner’s exile. As it turns out, the former Celtics star called out James for saying that Griner should reconsider coming back to America after her release. The four-time NBA champion intended to underline the failure of American diplomats to bring the WNBA star home through his comments.
NBA fans react to Kanter Freedom not getting any offers after calling out LeBron James
Enes Kanter Freedom believes that the absence of any offers for him in the offseason is a direct consequence of him voicing his political opinions. As a matter of fact, the center thinks NBA teams only like athletes to voice opinions that are lucrative for business.
Boston Celtics center @EnesKanter on calling out stars like LeBron and John Cena for not standing up to China:
“Human rights … is way more important than any deal you can offer me.” pic.twitter.com/3txlnVPQw1
— The Recount (@therecount) November 23, 2021
“This summer I did not receive one single offer,” Kanter Freedom revealed. “The reason is that I spoke out against what is happening in China in recent months. The Chinese market is a big part of the NBA business.”
“So, they will allow talking freely about anything you want until it hurts them financially. As soon as you do that, they will cut you,” he added.
Read More: Resurfaced Mimicry of LeBron James By His Own Son Leaves NBA Fans Wheezing In Laughter
Meanwhile, NBA fans had something to say regarding the whole fiasco. They seemed inclined to believe that Kanter Freedom didn’t receive any offers for his mediocre showing in the past few seasons. Here are some of the best comments.
You are unabashedly not good enough at hoop to play in the NBA anymore
It happens, play euro-league and get the bag elsewhere https://t.co/vi5ccMHYes
— Mark Schindler (@MG_Schindler) August 2, 2022
Only team would probably have been the Lakers but yea …..
— Jigga Figga (@Jawz27) August 1, 2022
It’s not cause of what happens off court because a lot of players talk a lot off court but it’s because he’s just bad at basketball
— pro walmart buggy rider (@cancunbycarti) August 2, 2022
You're a cone on defense, offense is heavily inconsistent, and you trash teams for not following your beliefs. No one wants you
— Coach Dom 🏀🏀 (@DominickNBA) August 1, 2022
He was journeyman because outside of inside scoring and offensive rebounding, he can’t do nothigg no else
— W.C.DS (@StephenA_Harris) August 2, 2022
In the right situation, he’d thrive again as a role player. Guy’s only 30 and still in shape. Don’t tell me he’s just forgotten how to play.
— Teemo (@timoperromotto) August 2, 2022
Nobody wants him 🤣🤣
— Isaiah🦅 (@RatiodByHurts) August 1, 2022
In a time of the NBA where defense is being more of a priority again, Enes just would not work. He’s nice for some put back shots on offense but that’s about it.
— Spike Shooter (@shooter_spike) August 1, 2022
— Smaug🌹 (@Smaug55) August 1, 2022
Bench? He’s a G league player at best
— Grayson Carter (@graycarter2115) August 1, 2022
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The future for Kanter Freedom
In the meantime, Kanter Freedom is exploring his options outside the NBA. The 6’10” center has expressed his interest in a Greek and an Israeli club.
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Do you think Kanter Freedom deserves another shot in the NBA? Let us know your thoughts below.
