Charles Barkley stirred controversy among Filipino basketball enthusiasts by questioning why there are no homegrown Filipino players in the NBA during a live broadcast.
Key points:
- The NBA The Hall of Famer and “Inside the NBA” analyst made these comments in a conversation with reporter Chris Haynes, who mentioned winning an MVP award in a Filipino league.
- Barkley started his response by saying “No disrespect” then asked, “how many Filipinos have been picked in the NBA draft?”
- The remarks prompted mixed reactions from Filipino supporters, with some feeling offended and others seeing it as a lighthearted exchange.
Chris Haynes: “I was the MVP in the Filipino league that I’m in here… I’m not Filipino, but I’m a guest.”
Charles Barkley: “No disrespect. I know I’m gonna get in trouble when I ask this question: how many Filipinos been drafted into the NBA?” 😭pic.twitter.com/W5QaBXiQYl
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) April 16, 2024
The specifics:
- After Barkley’s comment elicited laughter from Haynes and the other hosts, Shaquille O’Neal mentioned that he knows Haynes’ Filipino name: “Manny Black-uiao.”
- Although Filipino Americans have been drafted, no Filipino player who grew up in the Philippines has joined the NBA yet. The highly anticipated prospect Kai Sotto remained undrafted in 2022 and is currently honing his skills in Japan’s B-League.
- Filipino fans who seemed to take offense online teased Barkley about his lack of championship titles. However, others noted that the star’s remarks were meant to be humorous.
Tangent:
- Barkley is recognized for his candid opinions and playful on-air interactions with fellow analysts.
- Jordan Clarkson and Jalen Green are current NBA players with Filipino heritage, while 1978 NBA draftee Raymond Townsend was the first Filipino American player selected.
