Enes Kanter Freedom to Boston

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I think it's likely that he will go on a show like the ReidOut, be chummy with those folks and suddenly all the praise from the conserva-bros will vanish.
The guy is psyched to be an American and is taking interviews from whomever asks, full stop. I don't think he gets or cares to understand the public assumptions involved with agreeing to a Tucker interview.
 

Cesar Crespo

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I think it's likely we are all going to dislike Kanter's politics. Or at least often enough.

If someone hates politics to begin with, they are probably already sick of him.
 

jose melendez

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Wasn't he pretty supportive of his black teammates?

I'd add that being a Gulenist doesn't go that well with being Trumpy... Turkish government thugs beating protestors in DC, Mike Flynn looking at abducting Gulen, etc.
 

Cesar Crespo

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Who is we? Have you now reached the point where you have appointed yourself spokesperson of SoSH?
Yeah, this site definitely isn't 99% liberal. How about you stop stalking me now too? Get off my nuts, thanks.

"Why do you think everyone is always fighting with you?""

Because you are deliberately picking fights with me. Fuck off, dude.
 

kfoss99

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Should the EKF posts dating to, at least, #746 be moved to V&N?

This thread is getting testy and it'd be nice if this thread focus to EKF on the court.

He'll give us, I'm sure, plenty of V&N content. As he's full of views on the news.
 

johnmd20

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Yeah, this site definitely isn't 99% liberal. How about you stop stalking me now too? Get off my nuts, thanks.

"Why do you think everyone is always fighting with you?""

Because you are deliberately picking fights with me. Fuck off, dude.
You're always so cheerful. I appreciate your kind hearted nature.
 

DeJesus Built My Hotrod

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I think it's likely that he will go on a show like the ReidOut, be chummy with those folks and suddenly all the praise from the conserva-bros will vanish.
The guy is psyched to be an American and is taking interviews from whomever asks, full stop. I don't think he gets or cares to understand the public assumptions involved with agreeing to a Tucker interview.
This is my take but I think we've seen enough prominent people appear one way and then act another that the questions are legitimate. But to me this is just a really stoked new citizen sharing their reasoning with anyone who cares to listen.
 

Van Everyman

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Agreed, tho it would def. suck if EKF were to be coopted by the right on this. Freedom has been so right on this so far that it would be disappointing if he just turns into another dude shitting on Lebron. Hopefully the BLM support suggests he has a broader view of things.
 

benhogan

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Agreed, tho it would def. suck if EKF were to be coopted by the right on this. Freedom has been so right on this so far that it would be disappointing if he just turns into another dude shitting on Lebron. Hopefully the BLM support suggests he has a broader view of things.
Enes is just looking for any microphone/soapbox to express his views.

CNN & FOX producers can edit any interview to appease their audiences. It's what they do.
 

Van Everyman

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Yeah, that's my hope and consistent with his use of Twitter and going after Lebron to get attention. I'm rooting for the guy. But I think it may be a little too early to tell for sure that he can navigate the politics of this, which are, as people recognize, complicated. Plus, there's no accounting for what dudes who feel victimized will do these days.
 

Jimbodandy

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Yeah, that's my hope and consistent with his use of Twitter and going after Lebron to get attention. I'm rooting for the guy. But I think it may be a little too early to tell for sure that he can navigate the politics of this, which are, as people recognize, complicated. Plus, there's no accounting for what dudes who feel victimized will do these days.
Agreed. And he'll also be facing a bit of an uphill battle in the NBA twitterverse, as there's a certain dismissiveness among the in-crowd there. "Who the fuck is Enes Kanter, and why do we care what the third string center on a mediocre team thinks?" You already see some of this in the circling of the wagons around Lebron.
 

Van Everyman

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As for his play on the court:

The Celtics are rebounding at record levels with Freedom on the court
Enes Kanter Freedom barely played early in the season, but has given the Celtics productive minutes since landing consistent playing time two weeks ago. The Celtics have been punishing opponents with him on the court.

Over the last eight games, Boston has outscored opponents by 61 points during Freedom’s 113 minutes played. That margin comes out to 24.7 points per 100 possessions. The Celtics’ rebounding numbers with Freedom in the lineup have just been silly. They have grabbed 41.3 percent of available offensive rebounds with him on the court this season. How impressive is that? The 1997-98 Nets own the best offensive rebound rate of the last 25 seasons at 38.3 percent. The Celtics OREB rate has almost doubled with Freedom on the floor compared to when he’s on the bench.

The big man even earned late fourth-quarter minutes against the Raptors. Udoka said he also almost gave Freedom the nod in crunch-time against San Antonio in Boston’s previous game.

“Even if he doesn’t get (offensive rebounds), he takes two, three bodies to keep them off,” Udoka said. “He played well against San Antonio the other night and I thought about leaving him at the end of that game. So we (stayed) with him (against Toronto), that unit was really rolling together and did a great job. (It) doesn’t always show up in the stat sheet, but, you know, nine points, 10 rebounds, offensive glass like I mentioned. He’s a great screen setter, so all those things go unnoticed at times.”

Even after Robert Williams returns from illness, Udoka could need to think about including Freedom in the rotation moving forward. He’s giving the Celtics a big lift.
https://theathletic.com/2987267/2021/11/30/revisiting-the-kemba-walker-trade-a-new-found-freedom-and-more-celtics-observations/?source=user_shared_article

Not too shabby for a “fringe” guy.
 

Devizier

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I’m generally supportive of Kanter’s politics, the guy is coming from a totally different place and isn’t going to approach American politics in the same way, nor should he. I’d imagine his first priority is fixing the issues plaguing Turkey (without putting too fine a point on it). He’ll need a lot of allies to get any movement there.

But revisiting my earlier post, does anyone else get an off vibe with the name change? It’s extremely weird and when done these aren’t usually the sign of everything being okay. Maybe I’m just scarred by Bison Dele.
 

Van Everyman

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Also, great interview with EKF w Himmelsbach in the Boston Globe. The part about Lebron:

Kanter Freedom has also taken aim at Nike and Lakers superstar LeBron James, a top client of the sneaker behemoth, for not speaking out about human rights violations in China, where many Nike products are made.

When the Lakers played at TD Garden earlier this month, James said Kanter Freedom walked past him in a hallway without speaking about whatever issues he has with him. Kanter Freedom on Tuesday offered a different assessment.

“I was actually on the court, and after I left the court, he was behind me,” Kanter Freedom said. “It was me, my assistant coach, and him. Then I stopped to take a picture with a kid, and he was the one who walked right past me.

“I think the important thing is, whenever I talk about players, my first thing that people need to understand is players need to do their research and they have to educate them so before they put their signature on the paper and sign the lifetime deals and stuff, because obviously everybody knows how I feel about some of the sponsors we have.

“Nike, to me, is the biggest hypocrite company out there. They stand for Black Lives Matter in America —amazing. They stand for the Latino community, No Asian Hate, they stand with the LBGTQ community, but when it comes to some of the countries out there, like China, they remain silent.”

Kanter Freedom said he would welcome the opportunity to sit down with James and discuss these topics that are so important to him.

“I’m sure it’s going to be a very uncomfortable conversation for him,” Kanter Freedom said. “I don’t know if he’s going to want that. I’ll make that really comfortable for him. I don’t know if he’s educated enough, but I’m here to educate him and I’m here to help him, because it’s not about money. It’s about morals, principles, and values. It’s about what you stand for.”
Also, I love this exchange with Silver (and Silver’s reaction):

Kanter Freedom on Tuesday wore a shirt that said “Freedom for Uyghur.” This season, he has frequently worn sneakers adorned with messages related to his causes. He said he spoke to NBA commissioner Adam Silver about the sneakers and was told that he was not breaking any league rules by wearing them.

“I was like, ‘Adam, you guys are the ones that are telling us and encouraging players to stand up for what’s right, not just the problems in America, but all over the world. So you guys are the ones that encouraged me to talk about all the violations that are happening all over the world, right?’ ” Kanter Freedom said.

“And he was like, ‘Listen, you have the freedom to say whatever you want.’ And I was like, ‘I appreciate that.’ ”
Per last night’s discussion post-Tucker, my first reaction is that he’s navigating the politics well here.
 

greek_gawd_of_walks

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Also, great interview with EKF w Himmelsbach in the Boston Globe. The part about Lebron:



Also, I love this exchange with Silver (and Silver’s reaction):



Per last night’s discussion post-Tucker, my first reaction is that he’s navigating the politics well here.
I've been impressed with EKF's conviction since he's been in Boston. I had to do more research about him and his advocacy dating before his time with the Celts. My admiration grows by the day.

There is absolutely nothing in this for him for personal gain. He's a guy who signed late on a small deal this year. Speaking out about what he believes in such an impassioned and succinct way is literally putting (future) money where your (present) mouth is, especially when you factor in the clout James wields leage-wide. It's going to be a lonely road for EKF, but when you're literally a man in exile, your perspective on what matters has got to change radically. Millions of dollars? Small potatoes. Lebron James? He's concerned with foreign heads of state. And he hasn't shied away inbthebslightes. Really impressive.
 

DeJesus Built My Hotrod

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I've been impressed with EKF's conviction since he's been in Boston. I had to do more research about him and his advocacy dating before his time with the Celts. My admiration grows by the day.

There is absolutely nothing in this for him for personal gain. He's a guy who signed late on a small deal this year. Speaking out about what he believes in such an impassioned and succinct way is literally putting (future) money where your (present) mouth is, especially when you factor in the clout James wields leage-wide. It's going to be a lonely road for EKF, but when you're literally a man in exile, your perspective on what matters has to change radically. Really impressive.
Agreed. Again, people may ultimately be disappointed by Kanter or some of his views. However this is exactly what courage looks like in this day and age. He is putting potential future income at risk by speaking up and even if he is already ok financially, its just not something we see professionals do, especially while they are still playing.

I don't doubt that Silver and his people want this story gone yesterday and its wise they haven't gotten involved. But its also a good sign.
 

ilol@u

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Last night, Kanter showed up to the Tibetian Community Center in Chelsea. I was lucky enough to go because my close friend hosts some of these events.

Kanter was there for a few hours, interacted with everyone, took pictures, ate the cultural food, and was just a pleasure to meet. Very humble, very kind.

I know we always watch these athletes play sports for a few hours a day and listen to soundclips, but I was amazed by how a guy worth tens of millions of dollars, was so engaging. He really practices what he preaches, and him showing up to that event spoke volumes.
 

HomeRunBaker

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Last night, Kanter showed up to the Tibetian Community Center in Chelsea. I was lucky enough to go because my close friend hosts some of these events.

Kanter was there for a few hours, interacted with everyone, took pictures, ate the cultural food, and was just a pleasure to meet. Very humble, very kind.

I know we always watch these athletes play sports for a few hours a day and listen to soundclips, but I was amazed by how a guy worth tens of millions of dollars, was so engaging. He really practices what he preaches, and him showing up to that event spoke volumes.
I’m not discounting any player for making appearances but keep in mind that’s players are required per their contract to be available for team-related PR events for which they are paid (handsomely) to attend.
 

chilidawg

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Last night, Kanter showed up to the Tibetian Community Center in Chelsea. I was lucky enough to go because my close friend hosts some of these events.

Kanter was there for a few hours, interacted with everyone, took pictures, ate the cultural food, and was just a pleasure to meet. Very humble, very kind.

I know we always watch these athletes play sports for a few hours a day and listen to soundclips, but I was amazed by how a guy worth tens of millions of dollars, was so engaging. He really practices what he preaches, and him showing up to that event spoke volumes.
That sounds like a great event, glad you got to experience it.
 

Jimbodandy

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I’m not discounting any player for making appearances but keep in mind that’s players are required per their contract to be available for team-related PR events for which they are paid (handsomely) to attend.
Anyone who's willing to hang out for a few hours in Chelsea is a good dude.
 

HomeRunBaker

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Anyone who's willing to hang out for a few hours in Chelsea is a good dude.
The point I’m making isn’t that I’m doubting the players intent but had this conversation with my wife when she commented about how nice it was that these NFL players are doing these events with children and elderly. There is a difference between “willing” and “contractually obligated” which they are. I believe the NBA contract calls for 7 individual appearances and 5 group appearances (or vice versa) during the course of the season. They are also compensated $3k for each appearance as well.
 

Jimbodandy

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The point I’m making isn’t that I’m doubting the players intent but had this conversation with my wife when she commented about how nice it was that these NFL players are doing these events with children and elderly. There is a difference between “willing” and “contractually obligated” which they are. I believe the NBA contract calls for 7 individual appearances and 5 group appearances (or vice versa) during the course of the season. They are also compensated $3k for each appearance as well.
It's good info. I was just slagging on Chelsea. Growing up in Somerville in the 70s and 80s, there weren't many places that we could look down upon.

I met Ainge and Henderson at one of those events at my grandmother's church in north Cambridge in 81 or 82. I remember it like it was yesterday. Even then, it was obvious to 14yo me that they weren't there for the bingo and the silent auction.

Ainge wore a Members Only coat, and Gerald had on a black leather biker jacket.
 

HomeRunBaker

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It's good info. I was just slagging on Chelsea. Growing up in Somerville in the 70s and 80s, there weren't many places that we could look down upon.

I met Ainge and Henderson at one of those events at my grandmother's church in north Cambridge in 81 or 82. I remember it like it was yesterday. Even then, it was obvious to 14yo me that they weren't there for the bingo and the silent auction.

Ainge wore a Members Only coat, and Gerald had on a black leather biker jacket.
Ha that’s awesome!! This wasn’t an appearance per se but in the early 80’s I competed at the old Garden in the Pepsi Hot Shot competition to represent the Celtics in the regionals (I won and lost in regionals at the old Spectrum in Philly to kid who won it all). Before the game they had us in a back room and brought in some players. I got pics taken with The Big 3. Parish was cool and made some dry joke with a smirk, McHale was super cool and made us feel so relaxed……..then in came Larry, who looked like he’d rather be at his daughters recital.

Edit: We were living in Medford on Quincy St when pandemic hit before moving to Florida just over a year ago.
 

Jimbodandy

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Ha that’s awesome!! This wasn’t an appearance per se but in the early 80’s I competed at the old Garden in the Pepsi Hot Shot competition to represent the Celtics in the regionals (I won and lost in regionals at the old Spectrum in Philly to kid who won it all). Before the game they had us in a back room and brought in some players. I got pics taken with The Big 3. Parish was cool and made some dry joke with a smirk, McHale was super cool and made us feel so relaxed……..then in came Larry, who looked like he’d rather be at his daughters recital.
That's fantastic. I remember those. What a great memory that must be.
 

HomeRunBaker

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That's fantastic. I remember those. What a great memory that must be.
The rounds leading up to Boston and that night was fun. The Philly trip……not so much. They wouldn’t let us on the floor to shoot around a couple hours before the game like they did in Boston and my first shot was from the corner and hit side of backboard. Never really recovered.

The big takeaway from Boston was that our middle school gym had a better floor with fewer dead spots than the Garden parquet. Blown away by how awful that floor was. Like you couldn’t even imagine how bad.
 

cardiacs

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I met Kevin McHale at Puritan Clothing when they had a shop in the Cape Cod Mall. Must have been 1984. I don't remember much except I had never seen someone as tall as that in real life up to that point.
 

Kenny F'ing Powers

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I met Kevin McHale at Puritan Clothing when they had a shop in the Cape Cod Mall. Must have been 1984. I don't remember much except I had never seen someone as tall as that in real life up to that point.
What a bummer. Your only memory is that a 7 foot tall person was tall.
 

moondog80

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I'd guess he wants to get his message out and will speak to anyone who will give him an audience. If the liberal equivalent of CPAC wants him, he'd be all in.