Turkish NBA player Enes Kanter declares himself eligible for WNBA draft

Turkish center Enes Kanter, who has 11 years of NBA experience, has announced his intention to enter the WNBA draft, citing a careful review of the league's eligibility criteria. The 34-year-old player, who has been away from the court for nearly four seasons, made the surprising announcement via his social media channels.

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After careful consideration and review of the current eligibility guidelines, I am officially declaring myself a WNBA prospect.

Kanter stated, "After careful consideration and review of the current eligibility guidelines, I am officially declaring myself a WNBA prospect." He further elaborated, "If simply stating who you are is all that is required, then I meet every single one of the necessary requirements to compete in the WNBA." His team has reportedly examined the WNBA's eligibility criteria and regulatory framework concerning self-identification and inclusion, concluding that he is officially eligible for the April 2027 draft.

Despite the potential controversy surrounding his announcement, Kanter emphasized that his move is not intended as a mockery or a sign of disrespect. He expressed hope for a positive response from the league, stating, "I know my presence on the court will generate strong opinions. I am definitely not here to mock, ridicule, or disrespect any community or personal choice. I am simply asking for the current rules to be applied equally to everyone."

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If simply stating who you are is all that is required, then I meet every single one of the necessary requirements to compete in the WNBA.

Kanter, who was the third overall pick in the 2011 NBA draft, has previously played for several NBA teams, including the Utah Jazz, Oklahoma City Thunder, New York Knicks, and Boston Celtics. His career has been marked by outspoken political stances, including criticism of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Chinese President Xi Jinping, which led to his Turkish passport being revoked and an international arrest warrant issued against him.

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I know my presence on the court will generate strong opinions. I am definitely not here to mock, ridicule, or disrespect any community or personal choice. I am simply asking for the current rules to be applied equally to everyone.