Enes Kanter grows as fan favorite in Boston before playing a single game in a Celtics' uniform
Enes Kanter as WWE Champion. A title he held for literally a few seconds. Photo courtesy of the WWE |
Earlier today, Enes Kanter held his final free basketball camp of the summer in Boston, Massachusetts. Over the past few months, the newest Celtics free-agent signee has been traveling to numerous locations far and wide holding free basketball camps for kids ages 8-18. This weekend, his camp (which took place at UMASS Boston) marked his 50th of the summer and had a few surprises in store for its' attendees.
The kids at the camp did not have to pay money or register in any way. Not only that, but everyone there got free pizza, t-shirts, and jerseys. In addition, Enes teased the appearance of some surprise Celtics players, one of which should come as no shock at all if you have been tracking Kanter's workout and hangout secessions as a member of the Boston Celtics.๐ค MASSACHUSETTS ☘️☘️☘️— Enes Kanter (@EnesKanter) September 25, 2019
My 50th & last FREE BASKETBALL CAMP of the summer is
in BOSTON ๐ ๐คฏ
Come & show some love ๐
FREE PIZZA, T-SHIRTS & JERSEYS
๐๐
Surprise @Celtics players ๐ค
๐Everyone Welcome
⭐️ No Registration Needed
Thanks @tccboston
PLEASE RETWEET ๐ pic.twitter.com/wnSEpBpmtl
Today, 7'7" center, former UCF big man, and NBA summer league fan-favorite Tacko Fall made an appearance at the camp and had a little fun doing it. As of right now, we don't know if Tacko will make the official 2020 season roster post-training camp, but until that day comes Celtics fans and his current teammates will continue to embrace him as one their own. Kanter (as well as fellow rookie Grant Williams) has spent a lot of time with Tacko this summer. The two have had numerous workouts together as well as Kanter's famous cheat days. At the camp, Enes attempted to meet Tacko at the rim which didn't end well for him, but seemed to be really fun and exciting for all the kids watching.
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) September 28, 2019Kanter's final camp today marks just one of the many events he has run, attended, and/or engaged with since signing with the Celtics a few months ago. If his twitter is any indication, the 27-year-old big man has enjoyed his time in Boston and the surrounding areas, as he has been to every event you could possibly imagine and has gotten involved in the community on so many levels.
Amazing how much Enes Kanter fits into a day. In the last 24 hrs he:— Taylor Snow (@taylorcsnow) September 27, 2019
∙ Made a speech at the State House
∙ Practiced @ the C's facility
∙ Visited a school
∙ Met w/ the BPD
∙ Came by our business office to meet everyone
Oh and tmrw he'll host his 50th free camp of the summer pic.twitter.com/T3QNnyOqsH
Thank you @EnesKanter of the @BostonCeltics for coming to the Keverian School in #Everett today and speaking to the students. Great athlete, person and role model. TY for accepting our invitation and making time for our young people. @EverettMASchool #mapoli pic.twitter.com/DFJ2JDPthf— Sal DiDomenico (@SalDiDomenico) September 27, 2019
✅ Chatting with @CelticsSTM— Boston Celtics (@celtics) September 28, 2019
✅ Learning about the team's history (๐ @danielrainge)@EnesKanter truly learned the business of basketball this afternoon at our front office ☘️ pic.twitter.com/qWhcAcZOUx
Had an amazing visit to @bostonpolice department ๐ฎ♀️๐ฎ— Enes Kanter (@EnesKanter) September 27, 2019
Thanks for the warm hospitality ๐ pic.twitter.com/XqyecPVhQk
The Youth Empowerment Award is presented to Enes Kanter, NBA Player for Boston Celtics, a Human Rights Advocate and Founder of the Enes Kanter Foundation. @EnesKanter #UNGA2019 #Act4SDGs pic.twitter.com/7jIqEAkOxP— Journalists and Writers Foundation (@JWFoundation_) September 25, 2019
My first school visit in Boston @BostonSchools ☘️— Enes Kanter (@EnesKanter) September 27, 2019
I appreciate the invite Keverian School
Huge thanks to @SalDiDomenico ๐#EnesKanterFoundation ๐ pic.twitter.com/i5AWJhHHeN
Here is my speech @MA_Senate about Democracy, Human Rights, Freedom and Justice: pic.twitter.com/76Bc7MAXQ8— Enes Kanter (@EnesKanter) September 27, 2019
— Enes Kanter (@EnesKanter) September 22, 2019
Thanks for the warm welcome Boston Mayor @marty_walsh and State Senator @MarcRPacheco ๐ pic.twitter.com/RLzUajuphB— Enes Kanter (@EnesKanter) September 22, 2019
Easily the tallest honorary captain we've ever had. Thanks for coming out, @EnesKanter! ☘️#NERevs // @celtics pic.twitter.com/ROZ1aCMFO5— New England Revolution (@NERevolution) September 22, 2019
The 6'11", 2011 3rd overall pick became somewhat on an instant fan favorite at his introductory press conference for the Celtics' this summer, in which he made a joke referencing the dramatic exit of former Boston guard Kyrie Irving, who used to wear Kanter's current #11 jersey.We’re always thankful to our first responders ๐บ๐ธ— Boston Celtics (@celtics) September 20, 2019
Today @EnesKanter and @tackofall99 swung by our local fire department to thank them for their service. pic.twitter.com/dOLOr9oLuA
While Kanter seems to be enjoying his time in Boston thus far, I don't think he realizes how much these fans will embrace him once actually plays a game for the Celtics in this upcoming season.
Building a big fan favorite reputation in the past (specifically during his time in Oklahoma City, New York, and Portland) Kanter seems to be a perfect fit in the Celtics culture. Hard-working, passionate, and unique persona.
After trading away former fan favorite big man Aron Baynes, I for one can not wait to see how Kanter works out in Boston. If he continues to get involved as he has thus far, he surely will cement his own spot in the Boston sports culture moving forward.
But what do you think about Enes Kanter and his spot in Boston??? What is your prediction for his play moving forward??? Let me know in the comments below. You can follow Thomas Desmond on Twitter @td_654.