Enes Kanter Freedom and Dennis Rodman were among those in attendance at President Donald Trump’s Thursday rally at the Choctaw Event Center in Durant, Oklahoma, where the two former NBA players were mentioned during his address.
While speaking about the participation of transgender athletes in women’s sports, Trump turned his attention to Kanter, referencing the former center’s stated intention to pursue a place in the WNBA.
“Have men playing in women’s sports?” Trump said with the crowd booing. “Where the hell is Freedom? Stand up please. I mean, in all fairness, this guy is a monster. He dreams of playing against women. Like he’s willing to say that he’s a woman in order to play against women. And I don’t think he really believes that, but that’s OK,” the President said jokingly.
Rodman also received a mention from Trump, who described the five-time NBA champion as the greatest rebounder the sport has ever seen.
After the event, Kanter took to X to provide an update on his discussions with both men, revealing that he had extended an invitation to Trump for a potential WNBA appearance in 2027. He also claimed that Rodman would assist with his basketball preparations.
“After a great conversation with President @realDonaldTrump, I officially invited him to my first @WNBA game in 2027. Also, @NBA Hall of Famer @dennisrodman has agreed to coach me this offseason and get me ready for the #WNBA season,” Kanter wrote.
“Can’t wait to become the greatest female @WNBA player of all time. Rules Are Rules!”
Kanter’s remarks are part of his ongoing involvement in the discussion surrounding eligibility requirements in women’s professional basketball.
