Just before the Patriots started pulverizing the Browns Sunday, outspoken Celtics center Enes Kanter sent out a cryptic tweet. Above a video of Kanter flipping through a picture book that shows him landing a 360-slam dunk followed by messages condemning China’s human rights abuses, the veteran wrote: “Keep limiting me on the court; I will expose you off the court.”
Kanter seemed to imply Ime Udoka was benching him due to his recent criticisms of the Chinese government. Earlier this season, Kanter tweeted his support for Tibetan independence, which resulted in Chinese state TV cutting Celtics games from its schedule. He’s also ripped the NBA’s and Nike’s business partnerships with China, saying both conglomerates are silent on the government’s genocide of Uyghur Muslims, a minority group that’s been involved in a separatist conflict with China since 1949. “If they were really supporting me, they would have put something out there,” Kanter told CNN of the NBA. “They would have put out some kind of statement.”
This weekend, Kanter lambasted President Joe Biden for his virtual summit with Chinese leader Xi Jinping.
“Stop playing games with bullies & do what you promised to the world! Prioritize Human Rights!,” Kanter wrote.
On Monday, Udoka said he spoke to Kanter about his ominous message, while asserting he’s benched him for basketball reasons only. Kanter has only played in three games this season after appearing in every contest for the Trail Blazers last year.
“We have a lot of guys that aren’t playing that could be playing and want to play,” Udoka told reporters, via Boston.com. “I’ve talked to those guys about staying prepared and being professional and ready to play. I’ve been through the same situation as a player. But our playing time reasoning is strictly based on basketball.”
Interestingly enough, Kanter received eight minutes of playing time against the Cavaliers Monday after Robert Williams III had exited due to left knee soreness. Kanter collected five points and two rebounds while playing solid defense.
It’s possible Kanter’s criticisms are creating tension between the Celtics and league office, but Boston knew about Kanter’s candidness before it signed him for the second time. For years, Kanter has publicly criticized the authoritarian government of Turkey, where he grew up. His calls for the removal of President Tayyip Erdogan prompted Turkish authorities to seek his arrest.
Then again, the NBA doesn’t have a multibillion-dollar business partnership with Turkey. That could be the difference this time around.