Boston Celtics center Enes Kanter, right, blocks Brooklyn Nets guard James Harden (13) during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Wednesday, Nov. 24, 2021, in Boston. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)Boston Celtics' Enes Kanter wears a political message on his shoes during the first half of the team's NBA basketball game against the Milwaukee Bucks, Friday, Nov. 12, 2021, in Boston. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer)The shoes of Boston Celtics center Enes Kanter as seen during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Washington Wizards, Saturday, Oct. 30, 2021, in Washington. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)The shoes of Boston Celtics center Enes Kanter as seen during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Washington Wizards, Saturday, Oct. 30, 2021, in Washington. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)
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Boston Celtics center Enes Kanter, right, blocks Brooklyn Nets guard James Harden (13) during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Wednesday, Nov. 24, 2021, in Boston. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
BOSTON – Boston Celtics center Enes Kanter is changing his name to “Enes Kanter Freedom” to celebrate becoming a United States citizen.
Kanter's manager, Hank Fetic, told The Associated Press that Kanter will have his citizenship oath ceremony on Monday afternoon and at the same time will complete his legal name change.
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The news was first reported by the Athletic.
Kanter, 29, is a native of Turkey who has been an outspoken critic of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and the Turkish government. Kanter has said his passport was revoked by his homeland in 2017.
The 2011 first-round draft pick has also taken to social media to support Tibetan independence and criticize Chinese treatment of the Uyghur people. During games, he has worn shoes decorated to say “Free Tibet” and argue for a boycott of the 2022 Beijing Olympics.
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