Enes Freedom is a Turkish professional basketball player who has had a successful career in the NBA. He was born on May 28, 1992, in Switzerland and grew up in Turkey. He started playing basketball at a young age and quickly became one of the top prospects in Europe.
Freedom began his professional career in Turkey, playing for Fenerbahce Ulker Istanbul. He quickly established himself as one of the best young players in the league, averaging 7.2 points and 4.1 rebounds per game in his rookie season. He continued to improve over the next few years, and in 2011, he was selected third overall in the NBA draft by the Utah Jazz.
Freedom spent his first two seasons in the NBA with the Jazz, where he was primarily used as a backup center. He showed flashes of brilliance during his time in Utah, but he struggled to find consistent playing time. In 2014, he was traded to the Oklahoma City Thunder, where he had a breakout season. He averaged 12.1 points and 6.4 rebounds per game and established himself as one of the best young centers in the league.
After two seasons in Oklahoma City, Freedom was traded to the New York Knicks in 2017. He had a solid season with the Knicks, averaging 13.0 points and 8.0 rebounds per game. However, he was traded again in 2019, this time to the Portland Trail Blazers.
Freedom has continued to play at a high level in Portland, where he has become a fan favorite. He is known for his toughness, his rebounding ability, and his scoring touch around the basket. He has also become a leader on the team, helping to guide the Blazers to the playoffs in each of his first two seasons with the team.
Throughout his career, Freedom has been a consistent performer on the court. He has averaged 11.7 points and 7.6 rebounds per game over his career, and he has been named to the NBA All-Rookie Second Team and the NBA All-Defensive Second Team. He has also represented Turkey in international competition, helping the team win a silver medal at the 2010 FIBA Europe Under-18 Championship.
Off the court, Freedom is known for his philanthropic work. He has established the Enes Kanter Foundation, which works to provide education and support to children in need around the world. He has also been an outspoken advocate for human rights, particularly in his home country of Turkey, where he has been critical of the government's treatment of its citizens.
Overall, Enes Freedom has had a successful career in the NBA, and he continues to be one of the league's top centers. He is a talented player on the court and a dedicated humanitarian off the court, and he is sure to continue making an impact both on and off the court for years to come.
🏀