Enes Kanter took a shot at Kyrie Irving in his first comments as a Celtic.
During his introductory press conference Wednesday with Kemba Walker, Kanter was asked why he chose to wear No. 11 with Boston.
Kanter first explained that it was his old jersey number, which he wore with the Thunder from 2016-17.
But he went on to say: “I want to be the reason no one else will," which was a clear shot at former Celtics star Irving. He laughed and then added: "Sorry, I had to say it."
Enes Kanter on why he chose #11 😏 pic.twitter.com/Nfp1kGY6Aj
— Celtics on NBC Sports Boston (@NBCSCeltics) July 17, 2019
Irving, who signed with the Nets in free agency, said the same exact line during a Nike commercial from 2018. He explained in the ad that his father wore No. 11 in college when he played at Boston University, and it was the main reason why he wore the same number. Irving added that he wanted to be the reason no one would wear it again in Boston.
My dad is the reason I wear 11. I want to be the reason no one else will. #justdoit pic.twitter.com/CZiLOsxbA9
— Kyrie Irving (@KyrieIrving) November 22, 2018
As for Walker? He's also taking a familiar number in Boston as he plans to don the No. 8 jersey. It was what Antoine Walker wore in his seven seasons with the Celtics, and he gave the new Boston star a "blessing" to wear it.