US Senator Asked Justin Trudeau to Let Enes Kanter Travel to Canada for Potential NBA Final Matchup
By Jerry Trotta
With the Toronto Raptors and Portland Trail Blazers each just four wins away from a potential NBA Finals matchup, plans between major government officials are presently being formulated to ensure that Enes Kanter can safely participate in the hypothetical series.
Oregon Senator, Ron Wyden, has sent a letter to Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on behalf of the Turkish center, encouraging safe travel for Kanter to Canada for all potential games.
The gist of the letter read: "I ask your government to facilitate Mr. Kanter's safe passage to and from Canada should the Portland Trail Blazers play the Toronto Raptors in Toronto, Canada, in the upcoming NBA Finals," the letter states. "I also urge your government to state publicly that it will not comply with any Interpol red notice meant to interfere with Mr. Kanter's livelihood and to intimidate him and his family back in Turkey."
This, of course, comes in response to Enes not traveling with Portland to play Toronto in early March due to issues with his immigration status. In 2017, the 26-year-old had his Turkish passport revoked and has had a warrant out for his arrest in Turkey since early January.
Kanter is in the process of becoming a United States citizen, but that won't be finalized until 2021.
Regardless of this being highly theoretical, it's delightful to see the two countries come together for a good cause.