Newly crowned NBA champion Jordan Clarkson’s appearance with the Philippine flag during the New York Knicks’ championship parade has been praised on social media, with users describing the moment as a proud expression of Filipino identity.
Clarkson was seen waving the Philippine flag during celebrations in New York City, where the Knicks won their first NBA title in 53 years after a 94-90 victory over the San Antonio Spurs in Game 5 of the Finals.
The moment circulated online alongside posts praising Clarkson’s gesture, with one X (formerly Twitter) user writing: “Jordan Clarkson really out here carrying the Philippines on his back.”
The same post highlighted his long-standing ties with Gilas Pilipinas, noting his participation in international competitions such as the Asian Games and FIBA World Cup, and pushed back against skepticism over his Filipino identity.
“Y’all still questioning it? His mom’s Filipino, he’s been claiming it for years. The same people who cry about “claiming Black athletes” are the ones gatekeeping him the hardest. Make it make sense Man’s solid for the country. Big respect”
Jordan Clarkson really out here carrying the Philippines on his back 😭
But watch how some Black Ninjas instantly starts with “he’s not even Filipino tho” the second he does something big Like bro been repping Gilas Pilipinas since 2018, played in the Asian Games, World Cup,… pic.twitter.com/lT4zIkBK8h
— B3nClipsHQ (@B3nClipsHQ) June 18, 2026
Several online users defended Clarkson, saying he was “not Pinoy-baiting” and simply proud of his Filipino roots.
“Jordan Clarkson beamed with pride as he waved the Philippine flag during the New York Knicks’ championship parade in NYC. It was a simple but powerful moment that resonated with Filipinos around the world,” a Reddit user wrote.
“And no, this wasn’t pinoy-baiting. The anchor was simply recognizing something many people have observed for years: Filipinos take immense pride in seeing one of their own succeed on the global stage. Whether in sports, entertainment, or any field, Filipinos celebrate those achievements as if they were their own,” the Redditor added.
“why are filipinos suddenly claiming jordan clarkson?”
meanwhile jc: pic.twitter.com/bm9cz8EX2z
— K 💫 (@keifornal) June 19, 2026
JORDAN CLARKSON FILIPINO LEGEND 👑🇵🇭 pic.twitter.com/D4d77AEBWc
— krissy🍀 (@krissyy_elyse) June 18, 2026
Clarkson has previously represented Gilas Pilipinas in FIBA competitions, making him one of the most recognizable Filipino-heritage players in the NBA.
The Knicks parade drew thousands of fans to Lower Manhattan, with the team celebrating its championship run through Broadway before receiving symbolic keys to the city at a City Hall ceremony.
—With reports from Reuters
