Retired NBA player Charles Barkley became the buzz of Filipino basketball enthusiasts following his remarks on Filipino players betting to make it to the NBA during the pregame show during TNT’s telecast of the NBA Play-In Tournament.
During an exchange with TNT reporter Chris Haynes on Wednesday (Tuesday U.S. time), Barkley wondered how many Filipinos were drafted in the NBA.
The former Houston Rockets player poked fun at Haynes after he mentioned that he had been awarded MVP in a Filipino basketball league where he was invited to play.
“I was the MVP in a Filipino league that I’m in. I’m not Filipino, but I’m a guest,” Haynes said.
“No disrespect. I know I’m going to get in trouble to ask this question. How many Filipinos have been drafted in the NBA?” Barkley asked, making Haynes chuckle.
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
However, Barkley’s remarks didn’t go down well for some Pinoy fans.
Some took offense to his comments, stressing the former NBA player’s lack of championship titles.
While some said that Barkley’s words were intended only for playful conversation, noting that what he said is just a fact.
Over the years, Filipino fans remained hopeful to see a homegrown player selected in the NBA Draft.
While Bobby Ray Parks Jr. was unable to secure a spot in the NBA Draft in 2015, and Kai Sotto went undrafted in 2022, three Filipino-American players earned picks in the NBA Draft: Jalen Green (Houston Rockets, 2021). Jordan Clarkson (Washington Wizards, 2014), Raymond Townsend (Golden State Warriors, 1978).
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