BOSTON -- Enes Kanter delivered a succinct but powerful message via Twitter on Monday that simply read, “I’m free” followed by a Canadian flag.
He was referring to being able to play in Toronto with his Boston Celtics teammates on Christmas Day, the first time since the Turkish Government put out a Red Notice with Interpol for his arrest, that the 6-foot-10 Kanter will play an NBA game outside of the United States.
Kanter broke the news that he would be able to play in an Op-Ed that appeared in the Toronto Globe and Mail, on Monday.
LIVE stream the Celtics all season and get the latest news and analysis on all of your teams from NBC Sports Boston by downloading the My Teams App.
As much as Kanter’s fight against the anti-democratic regime in his home country has led him down this path of uncertainty as far as where he can play and not be arrested, the attention at this point shifts more towards what Kanter brings to the floor from a basketball-playing standpoint.
And he couldn’t be happier about the opportunity to be on the floor with his teammates in what will surely be the most high-profile game of the season thus far.
“It’s definitely a blessing to be playing on Christmas Day,” Kanter told NBC Sports Boston prior to the Op-Ed in the Toronto Globe and Mail. “There are some in the league for like 13, 14 years that don’t get to play one Christmas game. So it’s definitely a blessing.”
Boston Celtics
While Kanter has spent most of this season coming off the bench, there’s no question his role will be an important one for the Celtics if they are knock off the defending NBA champion Toronto Raptors.
Here’s a look at some of the reasons why Kanter’s presence matters for Boston.
KNOW YOUR ROLE
After starting the season-opener at Philadelphia, Kanter has been a regular off the bench in 17 of the 19 games he appeared in afterward for Boston.
In that reserve role, Kanter has distinguished himself as Boston’s go-to guy in the post where he either looks for his own shot, finds teammates or crashes the offensive boards for tip-ins and put-back buckets.
ON THE RISE
After missing seven straight games following the opener, Kanter has slowly worked his way back into being the difference-maker Boston has been looking for around the rim.
He has been particularly effective in Boston’s last four games by averaging a double-double of 10.5 points and 13.3 rebounds per game.
DEPTH ISSUES
Kanter’s improved play could not have come at a better time for a Boston team that’s severely depleted in the frontcourt. Robert Williams III (hip) and Vincent Poirier (right pinkie finger) will both be out for at least another three weeks, with Grant Williams the only other big to see significant action along with Kanter and Daniel Theis.
RAPTORS VULNERABILITY
At full strength, the Toronto Raptors are built quite well when it comes to dealing with bigs that can score around the basket, the way Kanter can. But injuries have left them relatively light around the middle with the only proven defender being Serge Ibaka.
Toronto is expected to be without Pascal Siakam (groin), Marc Gasol (hamstring) and Norman Powell (left shoulder) who were all out for Toronto’s game at Indiana on Monday night.
Don't miss NBC Sports Boston's coverage of Celtics-Raptors, which tips off Wednesday at 11:30 a.m. with Celtics Pregame Live, and then Mike and Scal have the call at 12 p.m. You can also stream the game on the MyTeams App.