Freedom critiques Reese, WNBA eligibility policy

Enes Kanter Freedom, the former NBA center, has intensified his public campaign against the WNBA's transgender eligibility policies by targeting Atlanta Dream star Angel Reese. Following the Dream's 95-91 overtime loss to Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever on August 17, 2026, Freedom posted on social media that Reese would be his first target if he were selected as the number one pick in the 2027 WNBA Draft.

Freedom, who is 6-foot-10 and played 11 seasons in the NBA, has repeatedly stated his intention to declare for the 2027 draft as a form of protest. In his post, he wrote, "Sis! Once I go No. 1 pick in the 2027 WNBA Draft, the first player I'm dunking on is Angel Reese. She's the Paul George of the WNBA. Just lean into the podcast already." The comment drew a comparison between Reese and NBA veteran Paul George, whose podcast has sometimes been cited by critics during periods of on-court struggle. Reese has also developed a significant media presence, including hosting her own podcast.

The jab came after a key moment in the game where Reese missed a potential game-winning putback with three seconds left in regulation, allowing the Fever to force overtime. Reese finished the...