Former NBA player claims he will declare for WNBA Draft

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Matthew Couden

By Matthew Couden

Contributing Writer

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Much controversy and chatter recently surrounded the WNBA over Indiana Fever star Sophie Cunningham's remarks about transgender athletes, indicating she wanted to "protect young girls in the locker room," and that they "shouldn't have to play against biological men."

Now, a former NBA player is jumping into the discussion in what he claims is a serious attempt to get drafted into the Women's National Basketball Association.

On Friday, Enes Kanter Freedom, who last played for the Boston Celtics four years ago, shared a video on X. In the video, which lasted just over a minute, Kanter is seated at a desk wearing an orange hooded sweatshirt, acting as if he's sharing breaking news.

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"My team and I have carefully examined the WNBA's eligibility criteria … Based on the current guidelines, I can and am officially declaring my eligibility for the upcoming WNBA Draft," Kanter said in his video, which lasted just over a minute.

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Former NBA player Enes Kanter for the Boston Celtics against Toronto Raptors

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"If simply declaring who you are is all that's required, then I meet every single requirement necessary to compete in the WNBA," he also said.

"I am daftly not here to mock, make fun of, or disrespect any community or personal choices. I am simply asking that the current rules be applied to everyone," he also said. "The rules that represent the very values that WNBA players and coaches have publicly advocated for."

The former NBA player also said that he and his team would ensure all the guidelines were "applied equally, consistently, and without exception."

"I look forward to the WNBA honoring its stated principles. See you at training camp," he said before the video cut to a black screen and said "Stay Tuned" in white text.

The former big man was the third overall pick for the Utah Jazz in the 2011 NBA draft. He's listed at 6-foot-10 and 250 pounds and also played for the Oklahoma City Thunder, New York Knicks, and Portland Trail Blazers. Kanter's career NBA averages are 11.2 points, 7.8 rebounds, and a 55.1% field goal percentage.

Most likely, this is a way for him to gain relevance, stirring up controversy and reactions by baiting current and former players and others online to argue. As mentioned, the Indiana Fever's Cunningham made comments late last month that drew outrage and backlash against her and the league.

As of this writing, the WNBA hadn't released a specific statement about Enes Kanter Freedom's video or draft claim. However, the Women's National Basketball Players Association (WNBA) shared a statement on Friday, saying they embrace "justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion" and would not be used as "political pawns."

While it's unknown whether Kanter Freedom will do so, the former NBA player could eventually create a follow-up video, possibly explaining what the league told him or why he wasn't allowed to enter the league's draft.

Despite his claims in the video, it seems he's attempting to gain publicity by going viral over a controversial topic.

The 2027 WNBA Draft will occur in May 2027. Among the college prospects currently considered high picks in the mock drafts are USC shooting guard Juju Watkins, Notre Dame point guard Hannah Hidalgo, and Texas small forward Madison Booker.

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