My observance as a practicing Muslim in the NBA is somewhat uncommon. Since joining the league in 2011, my dedication to my faith has aroused the curiosity of teammates, coaches, trainers and fans.
I like pressure, the boos didn't mean nothing to me.
When I think about America, I think about freedom. Freedom of speech, freedom of religion. Itβs a peaceful country.
I want to stay with the Knicks. They have great fans, team, organization, people. I would love to stay here.
I have the travel documents. I have a green card. I can go anywhere.
Our team security said, even if you go to a supermarket, have someone with you. So everywhere I go - grocery shopping, practice, go to games, go to plays - I always have someone with me because you never know, a lone wolf, one of the crazy Erdogan supporters will do something.
May 20, 2017, was one of the scariest days of my life. It was the day I realized I was being hunted by Erdogan.
It was just a normal family. We were playing basketball, we were playing soccer. It was home-cooked meals, just peaceful and happy times.
After I see in OKC, I see this is how NBA teams are. You know how you're like in a dream and you have a superpower and just don't want to open your eyes and end the dream? Oklahoma City's been like that to me.
The N.B.A. provides a big platform to shed light on the human rights violations in Turkey and gives a voice to the thousands of people persecuted.
I have a prominent platform and I want to use it to promote respect for human rights, democracy, and personal freedom. For me, this is bigger than basketball.
Some of my teammates and coaches donβt understand what Iβm doing by speaking out, but they support me, for which I am grateful. They have become part of my surrogate family here in the United States.
