Former NBA player Robin Lopez has publicly criticized Enes Kanter Freedom and Royce White following their announcements that they intend to enter the 2027 WNBA Draft. Lopez, who had a 16-year career in the league, expressed skepticism about their intentions and perceived commitment.
Lopez shared his views on X, formerly Twitter, in response to a post by former NFL star Robert Griffin III. "Biggest issue: If you’re being drafted, people are saying ‘We want you around for 4 years,’" Lopez wrote. "& I can’t imagine anybody wants Enes Kanter or Royce White around them for 4 minutes."
Royce White responded to Lopez's comment with aggressive language, stating, "Lol join the club ROBIN… I’ll slap your big goofy ass, b—- slap you like pootie tang! I will fight over these trans rights." Lopez retorted, "Yes we get it you love slapping people with women’s names."
Kanter Freedom and White both announced their intentions to enter the 2027 WNBA Draft on the same day. White, in his announcement, stated, "I’m transgender. I’m a woman. … I identify as sometimes identifying as a woman for purposes of… professional basketball." White had a brief stint in the NBA, playing three games for the Sacramento Kings in the 2013-2014 season, totaling three minutes of playing time. Post-basketball, White has become involved in politics and is currently a Republican candidate for the U.S. Senate.
Kanter Freedom and White's declarations come days after WNBA player Sophie Cunningham faced backlash for her previous comments regarding transgender athletes. Cunningham had stated that biological men should not compete against biological women in sports. Kanter Freedom reportedly said his decision to enter the WNBA draft was not intended to troll Cunningham's opponents.