NBA Fans are once again split down the middle, and this time it’s about Enes Kanter Freedom and China.
@TheDunkCentral reported that Enes Kanter Freedom thinks China is the reason he’s not in the NBA. They further quoted him saying, “I don’t think the NBA is going to happen because of its relationship with China.”
He added that he still feels fit to play and is hoping for EuroBasket if the NBA continues to shut its doors on him.
That statement alone was enough to send NBA Fans into a frenzy.
@Andrew35487355 didn’t hold back, writing, “League sold its soul to Beijing for money, now he’s too ‘controversial’ while they sign rapists and abusers.”
League sold its soul to Beijing for money, now he’s too “controversial” while they sign rapists and abusers.
— The Dark Knight (@Andrew35487355) February 19, 2026
It’s a heavy accusation, but it reflects a frustration some NBA Fans have long had about the league’s business ties overseas.
Others pushed back. @HouseOFhoneycut questioned the logic, asking, “where are the Chinese players then?” implying that if China had that much control, the league might look very different.
Then there’s the credibility angle. @TokenFish3 wrote, “You believe everything this marginal player says?”
For some NBA Fans, this isn’t about geopolitics at all. It’s about a player trying to explain why the calls stopped coming.
The NBA’s financial relationship with China has been well-documented, especially after past controversies involving team executives. Still, there’s no direct proof that Freedom was formally blackballed. That hasn’t stopped NBA Fans from debating whether this is about politics, performance, or a mix of both.
For now, Freedom waits. NBA Fans argue. And the league keeps moving.
NBA Fans Debate Whether Enes Kanter’s Absence Is Politics or Performance
NBA Fans didn’t stop at the China angle. Many believe the explanation is much simpler.
@badtakes420 went straight for sarcasm, posting, “Sure, it’s not because he sucks donkey balls. But it’s China. Throw in Russia and Iran and you have the holy trinity of them bad folks.”
It’s crude, but it captures how some NBA Fans see this story.
@Damovizplug added, “I’m sure It couldn’t possibly have anything to do with the fact that he’s a 33-year-old center who hasn’t played a professional minute in four years and historically defended the pick-and-roll with the urgency of a tectonic plate.”
That comment points to age, time away from the game, and defensive struggles as possible reasons.
There’s also a professionalism argument. @Francis_AI2099 wrote, “Enes Kanter is a professional in basketball but somehow he thinks that is his side job.”
He followed with, “You can still speak and participate but when you are more famous for your opinion than your profession, you don’t complain losing your job.”
For some NBA Fans, this debate isn’t just about China. It’s about whether teams prioritize talent over distractions. Freedom has been outspoken for years on global issues, including criticism of governments. That has earned him praise in some circles and backlash in others.
The truth likely sits somewhere in between. NBA Fans can argue politics all day, but front offices usually look at age, fit, and recent production first. Whether Freedom gets another shot may depend less on headlines and more on whether a team believes he can still help them win.
