Enes Kanter

Date of Birth: May 20, 1992

Zodiac Sign: Taurus

Biography

Enes Kanter, now known as Enes Kanter Freedom, is a professional basketball player who has garnered attention not only for his skills on the court but also for his outspoken political activism. Born in Switzerland and raised in Turkey, Kanter’s basketball journey began early, leading him to the United States where he played for the University of Kentucky. Drafted as the third overall pick by the Utah Jazz in the 2011 NBA Draft, Kanter has since played for several NBA teams, including the Oklahoma City Thunder, New York Knicks, and Boston Celtics. Kanter is known for his strong rebounding and offensive skills, making significant contributions to his teams. Off the court, he has been a vocal critic of the Turkish government and an advocate for human rights, which has led to significant personal and familial challenges, including threats to his safety. Despite these adversities, he continues to use his platform to raise awareness and champion causes he believes in.

5 Interesting Facts about Enes Kanter

1. Enes Kanter legally changed his name to Enes Kanter Freedom in 2021 to celebrate becoming a U.S. citizen.

2. He has been an outspoken critic of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, which has resulted in multiple arrest warrants issued against him by Turkey.

3. Kanter has been involved in numerous charitable activities, including hosting free basketball camps and providing meals to the homeless.

4. Despite his strong performances, he was not allowed to play college basketball due to eligibility issues related to his prior professional experience in Europe.

5. Kanter has faced travel restrictions and safety concerns due to his activism, at one point being detained in Romania because Turkey had revoked his passport.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Enes Kanter

1. “Keep calm and play basketball.”

2. “When I retire from basketball, I want to be known as more than just a player. I want to be remembered as someone who stood up for what they believed in.”

3. “I will never stop fighting for human rights and freedom.”

4. “My family is still in Turkey, and they are going through a lot because of my activism, but I will not be silenced.”

5. “Basketball is my passion, but standing up for justice is my duty.”