Inside the NBA is not just a mere sports show but an emotion for almost all NBA fans out there. As all good things come to an end, after a glorious 35-season run, the show will have its final episode on TNT during the Eastern Conference Finals series between the New York Knicks and the Indiana Pacers before moving to ESPN . With the day nearing, commentator Shaquille O’Neal reassured fans that it is just the show and the broadcasting banner that are ending. The four commentators are taking the property to a different location where it will just be rebranded, and that’s all.
Hosts of Inside the NBA to retain creative freedom under ESPN, Shaquille O’Neal seems optimistic about keeping the quality of the show intactThe studio show that analysed the NBA matches was hosted by a bunch of rather entertaining figures from the world of sports, including Shaquille O’Neal, Ernie Johnson , Charles Barkley and Kenny Smith . While the matches are analysed in a lighthearted manner along with fun banter, Inside the NBA remains one of the most successful studio shows produced across any channels. ESPN, over the years, tried its hand at doing so but failed to grab the attention of the audience like the one on TNT.
Following the series of debacles, ESPN, in a landmark deal, acquired the rights to the show while giving away the exclusive rights to a slate of Big 12 football and men’s college basketball games. However, fans can be assured about the quality of the show being intact, owing to the fact that the creators will have the freedom to produce episodes independently without the interference of any higher authority. Reflecting on the very aspect of preserving the essence of the show, commentator Shaquille O’Neal in a recent clip from the studio ahead of the Game 5 between the Indiana Pacers and the New York Knicks, expressed his emotions regarding the shift from TNT to ESPN.
“As all say when something passes away, something is reborn. Yes it is the ending of Inside the NBA on TNT, but it is a new beginning for us.” the former basketball player stated, “I am glad we are still together, whatever network we go to. And whatever network we're coming to, we're bringing the pain…The show is still here, baby. You can never kill the four horsemen. We are coming and we are coming to take spots. We are coming to kick ass and take names. We will do it our way.”
Shaq, through his comments, made it pretty clear that the hosts of the show are in no mood to compromise the nature of their content, irrespective of the broadcaster. “All the sadness about that show. We are coming with a whole new show! And we don’t care who are in our way. We are coming to kick ass and take names.”
Also read: NBA Free Agency Rumors: Is LeBron James leaving the Los Angeles Lakers - Deep dive into the legend's possible future in the league
Shaq’s words came as some sort of relief for the audiences of the show. While there were speculations amongst the NBA fans that the move away from TNT would bring about changes in the format of the show, the commentator’s statement is enough to keep the audience count intact, even though the move away would still hurt for some of them.
Hosts of Inside the NBA to retain creative freedom under ESPN, Shaquille O’Neal seems optimistic about keeping the quality of the show intactThe studio show that analysed the NBA matches was hosted by a bunch of rather entertaining figures from the world of sports, including Shaquille O’Neal, Ernie Johnson , Charles Barkley and Kenny Smith . While the matches are analysed in a lighthearted manner along with fun banter, Inside the NBA remains one of the most successful studio shows produced across any channels. ESPN, over the years, tried its hand at doing so but failed to grab the attention of the audience like the one on TNT.
Following the series of debacles, ESPN, in a landmark deal, acquired the rights to the show while giving away the exclusive rights to a slate of Big 12 football and men’s college basketball games. However, fans can be assured about the quality of the show being intact, owing to the fact that the creators will have the freedom to produce episodes independently without the interference of any higher authority. Reflecting on the very aspect of preserving the essence of the show, commentator Shaquille O’Neal in a recent clip from the studio ahead of the Game 5 between the Indiana Pacers and the New York Knicks, expressed his emotions regarding the shift from TNT to ESPN.
“As all say when something passes away, something is reborn. Yes it is the ending of Inside the NBA on TNT, but it is a new beginning for us.” the former basketball player stated, “I am glad we are still together, whatever network we go to. And whatever network we're coming to, we're bringing the pain…The show is still here, baby. You can never kill the four horsemen. We are coming and we are coming to take spots. We are coming to kick ass and take names. We will do it our way.”
Shaq:
— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) May 29, 2025
"It is the ending of the Inside the NBA on TNT...whatever network we're coming to, we're bringing the pain...the show is still here, baby. You can never kill the four horsemen...we coming to kick ass and take names.” 🔥🗣️
(h/t @ClutchPoints)
pic.twitter.com/taSmEAjLJR
Shaq, through his comments, made it pretty clear that the hosts of the show are in no mood to compromise the nature of their content, irrespective of the broadcaster. “All the sadness about that show. We are coming with a whole new show! And we don’t care who are in our way. We are coming to kick ass and take names.”
Also read: NBA Free Agency Rumors: Is LeBron James leaving the Los Angeles Lakers - Deep dive into the legend's possible future in the league
Shaq’s words came as some sort of relief for the audiences of the show. While there were speculations amongst the NBA fans that the move away from TNT would bring about changes in the format of the show, the commentator’s statement is enough to keep the audience count intact, even though the move away would still hurt for some of them.
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