“Inside the NBA” on TNT has been synonymous with game days. The motley crew of Shaquille O’Neal, Charles Barkley, Kenny Smith and Ernie Johnson has captivated the audience for time immemorial, but it looks like the end is near for the famous show, as the NBA’s deal with TNT has hit a roadblock.
Amid the impending doom of everyone’s favorite basketball show, Shaquille O’Neal’s recent absences were a striking dissimilarity to the tradition of it. While on his hiatus, Shaq took to social media to post a message seemingly aimed at the NBA over their potential loss. The former Lakers C posted, “Humble enough to know I can be replaced, but wise enough to know ain’t nobody else like me.”
Shaq was replaced by Vince Carter for the latest edition of the show after missing multiple episodes in recent times. The Dallas Mavericks legend Dirk Nowitzki once filled in for him, and Draymond Green also did the same multiple times.
Shaq’s on-and-off online beef and personal issues have also taken a toll on the former Orlando Magic man, as he is often seen posting melancholic content on his social media handles. His absence is probably a mixed reaction of both personal and professional words, as Shaq is bracing up for the split of the crew.
Is Shaquille O’Neal and TNT Crew Breaking Up?
Recently, Charles Barkley made it clear that once TNT loses the right to telecast the NBA games, he’d be out of the door. As the bidding war still rages on between TNT and Comcast, owned by NBC, the balance tips in favor of the latter.
NBC’s reported offer stands at $2.5 billion whereas TNT is offering only $1.2 billion. Without a shadow of a doubt, we all know which offer Adam Silver will take.
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Ernie Johnson, who has been with TNT since the 90s, has already pledged his allegiance to his long-time employer. But Shaq might follow Chuck if NBC wants, his agent recently revealed. Leonard Armato said, “Should TNT lose the NBA, the likelihood is that Shaq and Chuck break up which would be a shame. But there’s one little wild card that you need to keep in mind. Adam Silver in the NBA controls who it is that will be reporting on the NBA. So they can say look, you can’t break up Chuck and Shaq. We just love that combination too much.”
While the smoke is yet to clear completely, fans have already given up on seeing their favorite analysts together again beyond this season. But as unexpected as the NBA is, TNT just might pull out a wildcard of their own.
