And for Boston Celtics head coach Ime Udoka, it might indeed be a little easier for him if outspoken big man Enes Kanter was not going after China politically on Twitter himself, but the ecosystem within the NBA for voicing criticism against the Chinese government has much firmer footing now than it did then, even with the Celtics effectively banned in China from being broadcaster as a result of Kanter’s online protests.

The outspoken Celtic is unrelenting in his activism. Co/GtCQMeI3Gg

– The Celtics Wire November 15, 2021

“I’ve talked to him, and I saw,” explained the Celtics coach when asked if Kanter’s politics have impacted his playing time. Co/O5XtkrgdIf

– The Celtics Wire November 15, 2021

Udoka emphasized that the rotation was in no way influenced by politics, reiterating that “We want to find the minutes, but other guys are playing well and to this point is strictly basketball thing.”

Given the lack of media attention or even statement from the NBA itself, this seems to be the case, particularly given the team’s support for Kanter’s outspoken politics in the past.