Chris Haynes roasted by Charles Barkley for winning MVP in Filipino league

Screengrab from NBA on TNT/YouTube

The achievements of Filipinos span the globe, the basketball scene included. Apparently, NBA host Charles Barkley is not impressed.

On Tuesday night’s TNT telecast of the NBA Play-In Tournament, NBA host Charles Barkley had a banter with TNT insider Chris Haynes about his basketball accolade in the Filipino league, fueling reactions from the US to the Philippines.

Although some viewers criticized their conversation, it also underscores the presence of Filipino players at NBA courts. 

What went down

Chris Haynes, part of the TNT family since 2022, is renowned for his keen evaluation and bold opinions on sports. With his recent comment on screen, he found himself in the midst of a candid roast during the live segment. 

Haynes: “I was the MVP of the Filipino league that I’m in here”

Barkley: “No disrespect … but how many Filipinos been drafted into the NBA?” pic.twitter.com/ZJHJF1D2If

— CJ Fogler account may or may not be notable (@cjzero) April 16, 2024

Haynes’ revelation that “I was the MVP in a Filipino league that I’m in… I’m not Filipino but I’m a guest,” prompted a laugh and a dose of reality from Charles Barkley as he questioned the importance of this accolade in comparison to NBA’s high standards.

“No disrespect,” Chuck told Haynes. “I know I’mma get in trouble to ask this question, but how many Filipinos been drafted into the NBA? I’m just asking a question, man.”

Their exchange escalated when another NBA legend and TNT co-host Shaquille O’neal chimed in with his playful comment teasing Haynes and giving him a Filipino moniker.

After poking fun at his MVP Filipino league revelation, O’Neal was ready with a punchline. Referencing the legendary Filipino boxer Manny Pacquiao, “I know his Filipino name too.. Manny Black-uiao,” says O’Neal.

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Mixed reactions 

While some viewers welcomed the comments, this banter was met with mixed reactions among fans and social media users.

The most affected? Filipinos. For some, it’s a butthurt but others agreed with Barkley’s jab at Haynes’ MVP achievement.

One commenter asked, “How many rings for you Charles?” 

“Filipinos have a chance to play in the NBA, there is no end to that. You winning a ring? No more chance,” wrote another social media user.

On the flip side, others took no offense at all accepting Barkley’s commentary as the truth. 

Someone commented, “No hate. He is stating a fact.”

Filipino footprints in NBA

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Though the banter was meant to be lighthearted and just for fun, it shed light on the serious topic of Filipino representation in the NBA.

How many Filipinos have been drafted into the NBA? There’s  Jordan Clarkson, selected by the Washington Wizards in the 2014 NBA draft and then traded to the Los Angeles Lakers.

Houston Rockets star Jalen Green was picked in 2021. Embracing his Filipino roots, he expressed interest in playing for the Philippine national team — joined by Clarkson during last year’s FIBA World Cup.

And let’s not forget the legacy of Raymond Townsend, the first Filipino American drafted into the NBA, who played with the Golden State Warriors and the Indiana Pacers. He has been actively supporting the Fil-Am community as one of the pillars of Filipino Heritage Month.

Amid these advances are the Filipinos’ unwavering hopes for a full-blooded Filipino in the NBA. The 7-foot-3 player Kai Sotto came close to achieving this dream when he declared for the NBA draft in 2022. 

Sotto was undrafted but continues to pursue his passion across basketball leagues in Japan and Australia while holding on to his NBA dreams. He is reportedly setting his sights on the 2025 NBA draft.