Transition of “Inside the NBA” to ESPN
Big names from the basketball world, including Shaquille O’Neal, Charles Barkley, Kenny Smith, and Ernie Johnson, will soon transition “Inside the NBA” from its long-standing platform on TNT to ESPN. Fans can expect the familiar dynamic and tone of the show that they’ve cherished over the years.
Maintaining the Show’s Essence
In a recent discussion on The Rich Eisen Show, O’Neal expressed confidence that the essence of the show will remain intact. He pointed out that the personalities of both himself and Barkley are unlikely to evolve with this new chapter. Praising his colleagues, he highlighted Ernie Johnson’s ability to navigate various scenarios professionally and Kenny Smith’s dependable nature while playfully acknowledging Barkley’s tendency to straddle the line.
“Ernie is the guy that really keeps us out of trouble and Kenny is professional, but Chuck is right there on the line and I’m right below Chuck. Chuck’s not changing, I’m not changing,” he remarked.
A New Format?
Interestingly, O’Neal referenced a potential format for their new show that could mirror the style of The Pat McAfee Show, which is produced by another entity but aired on ESPN. He was optimistic about their new journey stating,
“We’re just going to go have fun, do what we do and talk about the game that we love and just try to make people laugh.”
The Future of “Inside the NBA”
This change follows a significant period for “Inside the NBA,” which became a staple in basketball broadcasting during its tenure at TNT. With Warner Bros. Discovery divesting its NBA broadcasting rights, questions about the show’s future arose until an agreement was reached with ESPN to host the program. Notably, while ESPN will now air the show, it will still be produced by TNT, allowing for continuity in its signature format and style, potentially maintaining its regular schedule.
Barkley’s Perspective
In his candid style, Barkley has made it clear that he will not alter his approach to better align with ESPN standards, especially after some pointed criticisms aimed at future colleagues. Furthermore, he has hinted at retiring in a couple of seasons, though he has since expressed uncertainty about those plans as well.
Conclusion
As the crew wraps up their final episodes on TNT, many viewers are eager to see what this new chapter will bring for an iconic basketball discussion show.
