Shaquille O’Neal believes TNT would be ‘out of business’ without legendary Charles Barkley, Ernie Johnson, and Kenny Smith crew 

Comedian George Wallace praises NBA on TNT, acknowledging the crew's significant impact on the network's success.


Shaquille O’Neal believes TNT would be ‘out of business’ without legendary Charles Barkley, Ernie Johnson, and Kenny Smith crew 

Comedian George Wallace and TNT’s Inside the NBA crew (Images via Open Source/X)

The NBA on TNT has been a staple of basketball fandom for years, bringing laughter and excitement to fans around the world. Comedian George Wallace recently praised the show on The Big Podcast with Shaquille O’Neal and Adam Lefkoe, acknowledging its significant impact on the network’s success.

Wallace’s comments come at a time of uncertainty for TNT, which has lost the broadcasting rights to the NBA and is now engaged in a legal battle with the league. The future of the network’s most successful team, including Shaq, Charles Barkley, Kenny Smith, and Ernie Johnson, is uncertain.

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You keep us laughing every night, man, we watched that show. I don’t think TNT would be in business with you guys.
George Wallace said on the Big Podcast

Shaquille O’Neal responded: “I agree.”

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The chemistry between the hosts, particularly Shaq and Barkley, has created some of the most memorable moments in sports television history. Their banter and antics have become iconic, making even the most skeptical of viewers crack a smile.

As the situation unfolds, fans and analysts alike are left wondering what the future holds for the Inside Guys. One thing is certain, the show’s legacy and impact on TNT’s success will not be forgotten.

Shaquille O’Neal’s emotional message to TNT’s colleague 

Charles Barkley and Shaquille O’Neal, two prominent faces of TNT, have reacted differently to the NBA media rights saga. Barkley has been vocal about saving Inside the NBA, while O’Neal has been more subdued, only reassuring fans months ago that the show would continue.

On The Big Podcast, O’Neal expressed uncertainty about the future of the NBA on TNT but also indicated that he is committed to the show for now. He joked with co-host Adam Lefkoe about returning for another season, despite speculation that he could opt out of his contract or move to a different network.

We had a lot of interesting people, you [Lefkoe] do a wonderful job, looking forward to working with you in the future. I don’t know what our future holds with this TNT thing, but I know we got one year left. So let’s just make it count and then yeah we’ll see what happens after that.
Shaquille O’Neal said on The Big Podcast with Shaq
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Lefkoe also addressed his own future on the show, revealing that he would be taking a temporary leave to attend a traditional vow renewal ceremony in Nigeria with his family. However, he assured listeners that he would return to his TNT duties, regardless of the outcome of the NBA media rights situation.

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