Ernie Johnson and TNT Co-Hosts Prevent “Biggest Downfall” by Embracing One Work Culture

Great chemistry in the cast and humorous exchanges are one part of what makes ‘Inside the NBA’ so special. Of course, we can’t forget about Shaquille O’Neal and Charles Barkley sharing expert jabs at each other. Co-host Ernie Johnson just mentioned another key factor that helped the show reach where it is now.

During the latest episode of ‘Point Forward’ podcast with Andre Iguodala and Evan Turner, the Sports Broadcasting Hall of Famer shared the factor that he thinks contributed to the show’s popularity as well as longevity. Johnson believes that a crucial element in keeping the show afloat is the ” selfless vibe” of the cast. Unlike many hosts and stars who aspire to be in the limelight, the ‘Inside the NBA’ team offers true candidness to the show.

Emphasizing the key role of the cast, Ernie Johnson spoke about one particular element that has saved the ‘Inside the NBA’ from downfall. “The thing about our show that’s great is nobody tries to make the show about themselves, and I think that’s one of the biggest downfalls uh that a show can have, is if somebody is trying to make it about them. But that’s never been the case with us,” expressed the 67-year-old.

As Johnson aptly put it, the Inside Guys are all committed to making the show greater than the sum of its parts. He once shared how Kenny Smith, and Barkley’s involvement in the show was not something he had predicted. But even with Hall of Famers joining the cast, Johnson & Co. have always kept the conversation surrounding basketball.

Together with this one work culture, the ‘Inside the NBA’ cast has consistently brought their dynamic chemistry to the fore every week. However, there’s another element responsible for the unpredictable nature of the show.

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Charles Barkley and Shaquille O’Neal never attended any production meeting

Ernie Johnson once revealed that the unscripted nature of the ‘Inside the NBA’ show is what captivates the fans. Johnson shared that neither Shaq, Kenny, nor Barkley have ever attended any pre-show production meetings. Surprisingly, even Johnson is sometimes unaware of what comes next on the show.

The Sports Broadcasting Hall of Famer shared, “These guys don’t sit in a production meeting and prepare for what they’ll say in each segment and get their thoughts organized.” He added, “They don’t know what’s going to happen next and most of the time, neither do I.”

While they’re briefed on the games to be discussed, the cast’s reactions, expressions, and banter are always candid. What are your thoughts on this? Let us know in the comments section below.

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