In a revealing moment on “The Skip Bayless Show,” the outspoken sports commentator revisited a controversial incident from the 2012 NBA Draft that ignited tensions within ESPN. Bayless, known for his candid opinions, voiced skepticism about white centers entering the league, particularly regarding Meyers Leonard, the 11th overall pick. His remarks didn’t just raise eyebrows; they prompted a stern response from ESPN’s PR team, highlighting the complexities of race in sports commentary.
Reflecting on that fateful moment, Bayless recounted how he confidently stated on “First Take” that he was “always a little leery of American white centers going in the lottery.” This assertion, he later learned, would lead to an unexpected backlash. The PR representative questioned his need to introduce race into the discussion, yet Bayless stood firm, arguing that historical performance trends among white American centers warranted his comments. “In this case, race is the point,” he maintained, providing data to back up his claim.
Fast forward a decade, and Bayless’s initial skepticism about Leonard was validated. Leonard’s NBA career was marked by mediocrity, averaging just 5.6 points and 3.9 rebounds per game over ten seasons. Bayless humorously termed his critique as “white-on-white crime,” noting that his perspective was rooted in personal observation rather than racial bias.
Yet, the narrative took an interesting turn with the emergence of Chet Holmgren, selected second overall in the 2022 NBA Draft by the Oklahoma City Thunder. Bayless admitted that Holmgren has reshaped his views on white centers. “Chet Holmgren is shattering the mold of the white stiff,” he declared, highlighting Holmgren’s impressive start to the season. With averages of 22.5 points, 11.0 rebounds, and 3.5 blocks, Holmgren has quickly become a defensive cornerstone for the Thunder, helping propel the team to a strong start.
As Holmgren continues to impress on the court, Bayless’s evolving perspective reflects broader discussions about race, talent, and expectations in the NBA. His initial concerns about white centers may have held water in the past, but with players like Holmgren leading the charge, the narrative is shifting. The conversation around race in sports remains complex and nuanced, and Bayless’s candid reflections offer a window into how those dynamics play out in the ever-evolving landscape of professional basketball.
