Enes Kanter is reportedly changing his name

Celtics center Enes Kanter is now the Celtics’ center formerly known as Enes Kanter. According to Stadium’s Shams Charania, the 29-year-old plans on changing his name.

‘Kanter’ will now be his middle name, and he is adopting ‘Freedom’ as his new surname. His new full name is ‘Enes Kanter Freedom.’

Having ‘Freedom’ on the back of his jersey won’t be new for the veteran center. He chose that as his social justice message when players wore words or slogans in addition to their names during the 2020 COVID bubble.

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  Freedom's name change coincides with him becoming a US citizen. He passed the last last week, and will be officially sworn in on Monday. Born in Switzerland and raised in Turkey, Freedom has been 'stateless' since 2017 due to his public criticism of Turkey's government.
  
  Freedom's name-change isn't uncommon in the NBA. In 1981, Lloyd Free changed his name to 'World B. Free' and in 2011 Ron Artest changed his name to 'Metta World Peace.'

• Philadelphia 76ers v Boston Celtics – Game One

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  LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLORIDA - AUGUST 17: Enes Kanter #11 of the Boston Celtics grabs a rebound against Tobias Harris #12 and Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers during the first half at The Field House at ESPN Wide World Of Sports Complex on August 17, 2020 in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ashley Landis - Pool/Getty Images)

• Philadelphia 76ers v Boston Celtics – Game Two

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  LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLORIDA - AUGUST 19: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers reaches for a steal against Enes Kanter #11 of the Boston Celtics during the third quarter in Game Two of the Eastern Conference First Round during the 2020 NBA Playoffs at The Field House at ESPN Wide World Of Sports Complex on August 19, 2020 in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
• Portland Trail Blazers v Boston Celtics

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  LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLORIDA - AUGUST 02: Enes Kanter #11 of the Boston Celtics handles the ball against the Portland Trail Blazers at The Arena at ESPN Wide World Of Sports Complex on August 02, 2020 in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)

• Boston Celtics v Los Angeles Lakers

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  LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 23: Enes Kanter #11 of the Boston Celtics reacts to a play during the game against the Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center on February 23, 2020 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images)

• NBA: Philadelphia 76ers at Boston Celtics

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  Dec 12, 2019; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Celtics center Enes Kanter (11) prepares to shoot the ball as Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (21) defends during the first half at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports
• NBA: Boston Celtics at Los Angeles Clippers

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  November 20, 2019; Los Angeles, CA: Boston Celtics center Enes Kanter moves the ball against Los Angeles Clippers forward Montrezl Harrell during the first half at Staples Center. (Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY)

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Alex Barth is a writer and digital producer for 985TheSportsHub.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Thoughts? Comments? Questions? Looking for a podcast guest? Let him know on Twitter @RealAlexBarth or via email at abarth@985TheSportsHub.com.