Among the NBA’s most interesting subplots is that of Enes Kanter and his relationship with his home country. Kanter, a native of Turkey, has been very critical of Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdogan, especially through social media channels. Kanter’s consistent criticisms have alienated him as the Turkish government has effectively exiled the big man.
This situation may have an added effect on the NBA season this year. Kanter’s Oklahoma City Thunder have been scheduled as one of the teams playing games in Mexico during the regular season. As things stand right now, Kanter would be unable to play in the December 7th matchup as he does not have a valid passport. (Note that this will not affect Kanter for the Thunder’s annual visit to Toronto as Americans with a green card can freely visit Canada).
The Thunder are working on a solution, according to Fred Katz of the Norman Transcript:
Kanter could receive a re-entry permit, a special document issued to citizens of other countries whose passports have been canceled for reasons the U.S. government deems unsuitable. The permit would allow Kanter to leave the U.S. for another country, such as Mexico, and still return. And the plan is for Kanter to acquire one before OKC’s game in Mexico City. Still, he is yet to receive a re-entry permit, according to a source with knowledge of the situation. There is, however, still ample time for that process to complete.
