The people’s favorite show Inside The NBA continues to hang on a thin thread. We all know how ESPN barged in post the NBA’s mammoth 2025 media deal, took the show under its wing, and stabilized the situation. However, it didn’t last long, as the latest $15 million update involving Shaquille O’Neal again put the show on the uncertain land. With only a few months remaining, will the quartet of Shaq, Chuck, Kenny & Ernie feature together? Stephen A. Smith knows the answer. 

For those who woke up after a year, TNT failed to crack the media deal and will ultimately end its journey with the league. More than TNT’s exit, Inside Guys’ departure pained fans’ hearts. At that time, everyone had a positive update, as the Turner Network offered the license to ESPN to run the Emmy Award Winning show. In the meantime, there was uncertainty regarding Shaq’s participation in the show, as his contract was due to an extension.

Had Shaquille O’Neal signed the contract with ESPN, then there would have been surety that he would appear on the Inside Guys. Being the principal prankster, the show would lose his soul if he missed out. However, to everyone’s shock, the big man seemed to have signed an extension with the TNT for an annual pay of $15 million. This left everyone scratching their head with one question: Will Shaq return to Inside Guys next season?

Looking at Stephen A. Smith’s confidence, the answer is yes. Now that they are colleagues at ESPN, the veteran analyst’s words carry undeniable weight. Speaking to CNBC, Smith expressed to wish to work with the legends. “They’re the A-team. They’ve won awards… all personal friends of mine… They know I’ll be there. And if those guys on Inside the NBA want me in any capacity, I’m happy to join them. Whether it’s five times, 10 times, 20 times or zero. I’m going to root for them.” 

While it doesn’t answer our question directly, Smith’s confident words from yesterday indicate that the quartet is intact.

Apart from Shaquille O’Neal, Charles Barkley expressed his uncertainty

TNT and Inside the NBA have almost become synonyms. It will be pretty odd to even say it as ESPN’s Inside The NBA. Nevertheless, it is what is it. At the same time, the show would be nothing without its crew. So, if the crew doesn’t return to the show for the next season, ESPN has literally wasted the money on the license. 

While Shaq’s latest update put us in a confusing spot, Charles Barkley‘s recent comments further deepened the uncertainty. Speaking to Dan Patrick, Chuck revealed whether he wanted to continue with the show next season. “I haven’t decided yet. I’m listening to NBC and Amazon. I want to know everything that’s on the table for me before I sign in. I love those guys at ESPN and if we end up there, I’m gonna do the best I possibly can.”

Even though Stephen A. Smith confidently said that he would like to work with the legendary showrunners in the future, the talks surrounding Shaq and Chuck’s willingness don’t seem so bright. What do you think? Let us know in the comments below.