NBA on TNT’s Charles Barkley appears to be in hot water, noting his controversial remark regarding Filipino players’ ability to make it to the NBA. During a pre-game exchange with reporter Chris Haynes, the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Famer poked fun at Haynes’ MVP award, which he received in his local Filipino basketball league.
“I was the MVP in a Filipino league that I’m in…I’m not Filipino, but I’m a guest,” mentions Haynes.
“No disrespect. I know I’m going to get in trouble asking this question: How many Filipinos have been drafted into the NBA?” responds Barkley.
rtghirwtg pic.twitter.com/UAU8zPYUuc
— Vito Corleonie (@VCorleonie) April 16, 2024
Upon hearing the statement, many Filipinos on the internet appeared displeased with Barkley’s comment, while others willingly accepted his hard truth.
I like Chuck before this.
He crossed the line here.— Ry.Ron (@holmes_rye) April 17, 2024
@NBAonTNT better tell chuck there’s been more Filipinos drafted to the league than he has rings
— ᴊᴜꜱᴛ ᴛʜᴇᴏ ㋡ (@djjusttheo) April 17, 2024
coach Spo is a Filipino and had more rings than Charles Barkley ever could have wished for…
— 🌟Joem3try🌟 (@joem3try) April 17, 2024
I’m a Filipino but I am not offended @SHAQ @_CharlesBarkley @MannyPacquiao @ESPNNBA @FilipinoSports @tjmanotoc @ABSCBNNewsSport 🤣🤣 pic.twitter.com/ir9ChgAi7T
— MrsAbell74 (@AbellCarina1974) April 17, 2024
I love Charles Barkley but what he did say is true no Filipino has been at least drafted in the NBA and I hope that changes soon.
— 🇵🇭:Camiz Julinas Caesar Macte (@CallmeCamiz) April 17, 2024
Look at all the cupcakes on the comments getting offended on our behalf. As a Filipino, this is funny. Now move along…
— Niko Ninja (@NikoJHova) April 17, 2024
As the Philippines patiently awaits its first homegrown draftee to the league, several Fil-Ams have found success in their careers, notably Raymond Townsend (1978), Jordan Clarkson (2014), and more recently, Jalen Green (2021). In recent years, Bobby Ray Parks Jr. and Kai Sotto were the closest to reaching basketball’s grandest stage with their NBA Summer League stints, but sadly fell short come draft day.
