Thunderous Intentions
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To Enes Kanter, with love – You’re always welcome in Okla-home

By Heather Koontz

NEW YORK, NY - MAY 22: Turkish NBA Player Enes Kanter leaves after speaking to the media during a news conference about his detention at a Romanian airport on May 22, 2017 in New York City. Kanter returned to the U.S. after being detained for several hours at a Romanian airport following statements he made criticizing Turkey's president Recep Tayyip Erdogan. (Photo by Eduardo Munoz Alvarez/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - MAY 22: Turkish NBA Player Enes Kanter leaves after speaking to the media during a news conference about his detention at a Romanian airport on May 22, 2017 in New York City. Kanter returned to the U.S. after being detained for several hours at a Romanian airport following statements he made criticizing Turkey's president Recep Tayyip Erdogan. (Photo by Eduardo Munoz Alvarez/Getty Images) /
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Some think it was a great move, others are heartbroken. But no matter how you stack it, it’s impossible not to feel something about the events that took place in Sam Presti’s office yesterday.

In case you missed it, OKC struck a deal on Saturday with the New York Knicks that sent Enes Kanter, Doug McDermott, and a future draft pick to New York in exchange for Carmelo Anthony. Regardless of how you feel about acquiring Anthony – who will, no doubt, be a major asset to the team – it’s time to stop and say a proper goodbye to one of Oklahoma City’s favorites.

Dear Enes, Thank You:

It was only two years ago when your name was added to Oklahoma City’s roster, though it feels like you were there all along. Because, your heart, your spirit, and your drive fit right in with everything this city believes in. Everything this city desperately needs. So today, we want to say thanks.

Thank you for giving us your best.

You’d just left Utah, the only professional NBA home you’d had here in America. But, you didn’t let that rattle you. In your debut game for the Thunder, you recorded a double-double to help seal a win against the Charlotte Hornets: 10 points, 13 rebounds.

And that was only the beginning. You repeatedly showed up when the team needed you – both on and off the bench.

Thank you for your passion.

Maybe you shouldn’t have punched that chair, but we certainly feel honored that you did it for us. That passion for the game, for winning, and for your team is at the heart of this state. We know all too well that when you get knocked down, you get back up again.

Thank you for showing us what teamwork looks like.

When Russell Westbrook‘s name starting appearing in MVP conversations, you were there to make sure everyone understood why. The videos you released to promote Westbrook were not only hilarious – they were full of heart. And, they are prime examples of how much you respect your teammates. It’s no wonder they respected you just the same.

Thank you for talking back.

You know as well as anyone how much it stung when Kevin Durant left. But while we fans couldn’t be vocal on a nationwide platform, you could. And, you did. You were never afraid to say what needed to be said, and we’re going to miss that. You were, in many ways, our voice. And trust us, a victory against the Golden State Warriors sure would be the icing on the cupcake:

https://twitter.com/Enes_Kanter/status/911670854932680710

Thank you for the bromance.

Throughout history, there have been a few solid bromances upon which we have built our hopes and dreams. Simon and Garfunkel. Woody and Buzz Lightyear. Enes and Steven.

The Stache Bros defined Oklahoma City for a long time, and I wager to believe they still will. We have Stache Bros shirts and signs, and it’s hard to picture either of you without the other. Who will make fun of Steven’s hair? Who will he banter with on Twitter? It’s hard to imagine anyone filling that spot.

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK – NOVEMBER 8: Enes Kanter
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK – NOVEMBER 8: Enes Kanter /

Also, help a girl out and let Steven know I’m here if he needs comfort during this time. 

Thank you for the charity.

More from Thunderous Intentions

Oklahoma isn’t technically your home, but you treated us that way.

And it didn’t stop there. Our neighbors down south were the recipients of your selflessness after Hurricane Harvey destroyed homes and lives in Houston. Without publicity, you donated $25,000 dollars to those in need.

It’s no secret that you are deserving of the NBA Humanitarian Award and, even though it looks like you won’t be in a Thunder jersey when it happens, we all can’t wait to see you accept that honor.

Thank you for everything.

By some kind of strange coincidence, Oklahoma City’s home opener this year is against the Knicks. It’ll be so familiar to see you on that court, yet so unsettling to realize you won’t wear a blue jersey.

You ended your season with Thunder players, and you’ll begin the next one with them too. Though it will be different, I can promise you one thing:

We will welcome you home. There will be cheers when you enter the court, applause when you score, and heavy hearts when you walk off our court for what could be the last time this season.

Because Oklahomans don’t forget family. And Enes, that’s what you’ve become.

https://twitter.com/Enes_Kanter/status/910262663334301698

We wish you the best in New York. And remember, you’re always welcome in Oklahoma.

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