Charlie Villanueva found himself at the centre of social media attention once again after another conversation about race in basketball. After previously making similar comments involving the WNBA, the former Dallas Mavericks player turned his attention to the NBA and later felt the need to clarify what he meant.
During an appearance on To The Baha podcast, Villanueva argued that a White player could not become the “face of the league,” while also making a rather unexpected attempt to defend himself against any accusations of racism.
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“I don’t think a white dude could be the face of the league… When was the last time a white player was single-handedly the best player?… My first n*t was with a white girl, so why would I be racist? I’m not racist.”
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After his comments started getting traction, Villanueva clarified that he was specifically talking about who could become the face of the NBA. He made it clear that he was not questioning whether White players, such as Cooper Flagg, or international players could be among the “best” players.
“Hold up, that’s NOT what I said 😂,” Villanueva wrote on X. “Luka and Jokic are two of the best players in the world, even though their international. And Cooper Flagg is ELITE! My argument was about being the FACE of the NBA, not who can be the BEST player. Two completely different conversations. 🤦🏽♂️”
Responding to these comments was Sam Tripoli, a comedian, who brought up the other part of Villanueva’s original statement and asked whether that needed any clarification as well. Villanueva had a much shorter response this time.
“But did you say your first n*t was with a white chick?” Tripoli asked on X.
“Yup 😁,” Villanueva wrote.
Cooper Flagg takes another major step in second NBA season
Cooper Flagg entered his second season with plenty of expectations after an impressive Rookie of the Year campaign. So far, he has looked more than ready for the jump.
Through the first two weeks of the season, Flagg is already producing at an All-Star level, averaging 26.8 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 6.6 assists per game.
Dallas has gone 4-1 in the games Cooper Flagg has played in October, with some of its biggest wins coming behind huge performances from the second-year star. He finished with 26 points and eight assists in a 120-96 win over Oklahoma City before putting up 33 points, nine rebounds, and six assists against Houston, handing the Rockets their only loss of the season.
Cooper Flagg is still only 19, which gives him plenty of time to prove Charlie Villanueva wrong. If his rise continues, he could eventually become one of the faces of the league alongside Victor Wembanyama.
Edited by Advait Jajodia
