Gilbert Arenas Responds To Rex Chapman’s Claims About White American Basketball Players

Gilbert Arenas responded to Rex Chapman's recent comments about the declining role of white American basketball players. Arenas agreed with most of Chapman's comments and added that white American players are dissuaded by their parents to play basketball, and are being coddled, unlike players in Europe.

“This is great information… We know the white Americans got pushed out of the NBA and the Euro took over white America. That’s who is the new white person. No one really explained what happened to the white American (player)… White parents were discouraging their kids from going down this road in sports…"

"Watching AAU, it’s true. I don’t know what a parent is telling their kids. When the player doesn’t play, or the coach is yelling at a player, those parents transfer… Kids are not being coached anymore. They are being coddled… That sh*t is hurting a group of people."

"You’re taking away competitive (spirit) so they’re not being competitive anymore… When you go overseas, it’s ‘F*ck you!’. They don’t care about nothing. The coach hits you, spits on you, do all that. You learn tough skin from an early age. Here you yell at a kid too loud and he cries, trust me he ain’t coming back next week.”

(0:23 onwards)

Arenas clearly has some firsthand experience watching AAU basketball and doesn't like how players have become soft. While players have the right to pick where they want to play, their shying away from competition and aggression from their coaches is not a good sign for those wanting to see more white American players in the NBA.

White American Players Are Rare In The NBA

Unlike years past, the white Americans in the NBA are few and far between. This isn't to say that there aren't talented white American players in the league. Players like Chet Holmgren, Austin Reaves, Tyler Herro, and Donte DiVincenzo are in the league and playing important roles on their respective teams.

But now, it is primarily the European white players that are finding success in the NBA. Stars like Luka Doncic, Nikola Jokic, and Lauri Markkanen have become some of the biggest names in the league, and are incredibly popular among fans.

NBA fans aren't likely to be concerned about the white American players' declining presence in the NBA, as the quality of the sport and players are still very high. And as things stand, there haven't been any notable barriers to entry for white American players in the league.

Could we see a re-emergence of white American stars in the NBA? It is hard to predict, but considering basketball is more popular among people of color in the United States, there seems to be less motivation from white American families to introduce their kids to basketball.

However, nothing can be ruled out, and maybe a young white American star could inspire others to dedicate themselves to the sport and become successful in the league.

Related: The 10 Best White NBA Players For The 2023-24 Season

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