Enes Kanter Freedom: 'Panathinaikos is my first choice in Europe' / News - Basketnews.com

Credit: AFP – Scanpix Credit AFP – Scanpix

Enes Kanter Freedom spoke to Greek media outlet Ethnikos Kirikas about his time with the Boston Celtics, career options, Panathinaikos Athens, Nobel Prize, and war in Ukraine.

Enes Kanter

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According to the 29-year-old, NBA is all about the money and it stands for the players until the financial questions are being touched.

"I was in Portland last year and I averaged a double-double. Moreover, we went to the playoffs. I was a starter. And they come and tell me after a year that I forgot how to play basketball?

When I started talking about what was happening in China, the Celtics were cut off from Chinese television. That cost the NBA money. The NBA says it stands by us for freedom of speech. I do not believe it.

In other words, the league stands, as long as what we say helps its pocket, otherwise they will do everything they can to finish you. I am saying that because they are trying to retire me at 29. However, I know that I can play 6-7 years more because I love basketball and I'm healthy," the athlete spoke.

As stated by Enes Kanter Freedom, his priority is to play in the NBA, despite its issues.

"My first goal is to play in the NBA and I want to be there. However, if this does not happen, I have grown up watching Panathinaikos, Olympiacos, and other teams. My brother, who played last year in Greece (Kolossos Rhodes) told me how nice it is there. But first of all, I would like to meet with the Prime Minister of Greece Kyriakos Mitsotakis.

I would like to shake his hand and thank him for accepting the Turkish refugees. This is an important step of the friendship between Greece and Turkey. Then, I would like to talk to him about the possibility to come to a team like Panathinaikos and build a friendship between the two countries. If I play in a Greek team, it will not be just for basketball. I want to build a bridge between these people. We are not so far away: we eat the same food, while our cultures are very similar."

"Panathinaikos is the first choice in Europe. Let's not forget that my friend Mario Hezonja played there as well. If it's a Greek team, I think I'd go to PAO. Of course, it depends on what will happen with the NBA and the meeting with the Greek Prime Minister," Kanter Freedom commented regarding competing in Europe.

The big man also talked about the nomination for Nobel Peace Prize.

"If I receive the award, it will be important, both for me and for every person who is pressured by the status of his homeland. But my actions are not for any award. It might be a platform to talk about human rights violations around the world."

Last but not least, the basketball player referred to the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

"The world must realize that the future of Europe and the free world is being judged at this time. Putin wants to destroy democracy. Therefore Ukraine must be supported," Enes Kanter Freedom finished.

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