Is Shaq Leaving Inside the NBA? Get the Latest Information
by Sakthi
Updated May 30, 2023
Shaq on Inside The NBA
Inside the NBA, known as Inside the NBA presented by Kia for sponsorship purposes, serves as the postgame show for the NBA on TNT broadcasts. Currently, the show is hosted by Ernie Johnson, who has been at the helm since 1990. He is joined on set by three esteemed analysts: Kenny "The Jet" Smith, who has been part of the show since 1998; Charles Barkley, who joined in 2000; and Shaquille O'Neal, who became a part of the team in 2011.
Previous notable analysts on the show include Magic Johnson (2003–2007), Reggie Miller (2008–2011), and Chris Webber (2008–2011). Throughout its history, the show has been consistently regarded as one of the premier sports analysis programs on American television and has received seventeen Sports Emmy Awards.
However, fans are eagerly anticipating news about Shaq's potential departure from "Inside the NBA." Let us delve into this matter in great detail.
Is Shaq Leaving Inside The NBA?
With much enthusiasm, Charles Barkley and Shaquille O'Neal discovered that their recent live broadcast for the NBA on TNT marked the end of the 2022–23 season. The dynamic TNT team, consisting of Chuck, Ernie, Kenny, and Shaq, was thrilled to cover the thrilling Game 7 of the Eastern Conference Finals (ECF) clash between the Boston Celtics and Miami Heat.
As the anticipation builds for the culmination of this intense series, both Charles Barkley and Shaquille O'Neal have their sights set on a well-deserved vacation. Expressing his gratitude, Barkley appreciated Ernie Johnson's announcement that Game 7 would be their final show of the year. Chuck shared that while his love for basketball remains unwavering, nothing compares to the bliss of unwinding and enjoying a leisurely day.
"Hey, I absolutely adore basketball," exclaimed Barkley. "But I adore summer vacation even more. I won't lie about it... I love you guys. See you in October." It's worth noting that this marks the end of the current season, but Barkley has a substantial contract extension with the show "Inside the NBA" in 2022.
Shaquille O'Neal Departure Update
Charles Barkley and Shaquille O'Neal are currently in the midst of their final show for the season. They are currently providing coverage for Game 7 of the Eastern Conference Finals (ECF), a highly significant matchup for both the Boston Celtics and Miami Heat. Should the Celtics emerge victorious, they will etch their name in NBA history as the first team to overcome a 3-0 deficit.
During a radio interview, the esteemed host of "Inside the NBA" shared his thoughts. Barkley expressed his frustration, stating, "Things have escalated to such an extent that I can't even imagine watching myself anymore. Nowadays, you can't even have fun without these individuals attempting to get you canceled."
In the same interview, Barkley opened up about his future plans regarding "Inside the NBA." Despite his concerns about a potential cancellation, the 58-year-old icon is not stepping away just yet. "I'm simply here to have fun, discussing sports. I'm trying to hang on for a few more years until I turn 60, and then they can say whatever they want," Barkley stated. "I'm only committed until 60. I've already made that clear. We can't even enjoy ourselves anymore. We've had years of fun, but suddenly, in the past year and a half, everyone's trying to get people fired, and it's truly disheartening."
Barkley did not hold back in criticizing his superiors, who urged him to retire a long-running joke about the women of San Antonio. "Many of our bosses are spineless," Barkley declared. "They won't even allow me to mention San Antonio anymore! You know, when I used to talk about those lovely ladies in San Antonio?"
He continued, "I was just joking around. One lady wrote an article, and now they're letting one person quash the joke. We've been having fun with it for 10, 15 years." "Inside the NBA" will undoubtedly undergo a transformation when Sir Charles reaches 60. While it seems that the former Auburn basketball star intends to cease working at that age, he will undoubtedly have other opportunities to share his sports insights if he wishes to continue as a commentator.
Who is Shaquille O'Neal?
Shaquille Rashaun O'Neal, widely known as "Shaq," is a former American professional basketball player who currently serves as a sports analyst on the television program Inside the NBA. Standing at an impressive height of 7 feet 1 inch (2.16 meters) and weighing 325 pounds (147 kilograms), O'Neal played as a center for six different teams throughout his illustrious 19-year career in the National Basketball Association (NBA), during which he achieved the title of NBA champion four times. O'Neal is recognized as one of the greatest basketball players and centers of all time.
Apart from his achievements in basketball, O'Neal has also ventured into the world of music. He has released four rap albums, with his debut album, "Shaq Diesel," achieving platinum status. Additionally, O'Neal is an electronic music producer and a touring DJ, performing under the name Diesel.
He has made appearances in numerous films and has been the star of his own reality shows, namely "Shaq's Big Challenge" and "Shaq Vs." Furthermore, he hosts a podcast called "The Big Podcast with Shaq." From 2013 to 2022, O'Neal held a minority ownership stake in the Sacramento Kings, and he currently serves as the general manager of Kings Guard Gaming, a team in the NBA 2K League.
In October 2022, O'Neal signed a long-term contract extension with Warner Bros. Discovery Sports, solidifying his role as a host on Inside the NBA.
Is Shaq Leaving Inside The NBA: FAQs
Shaquille O'Neal retired from professional basketball in 2011.
Shaquille O'Neal won four NBA championships throughout his career.
Shaquille O'Neal has explored various endeavors, including releasing rap albums, working as an electronic music producer and touring DJ, appearing in films, hosting reality shows, and running a podcast.
Shaquille O'Neal is a sports analyst on the television program "Inside the NBA."
As of now, Shaquille O'Neal has not announced any plans to depart from "Inside the NBA." He has mentioned his intention to continue working on the show until he turns 60.