We’ve always known deep down that TNT’s Inside the NBA cannot be recreated. The TNT crew has just revealed why that’s the case. It’s not just because of the star-studded panel which features some of the biggest NBA pros turned analysts. But it’s also because of the unscripted nature of the show that the fans have been able to relate to. Obviously, there’s more to it that rival networks would have a tough time to replicate. After Charles Barkley, his colleague Kenny Smith also doubled down on the matter.

In a conversation with the Houston Chronicle, Smith explained that it’s not just the on-air talent but also the director, producers, and staff involved in the show that makes it unique. Smith emphasized that this candidness cannot be easily replicated. 

“Because we’re produced and unproduced at the same time. We have a great production team, but also, it can never be mimicked. Because everyone that I’ve named — the producers, directors and audio (people) — everyone is involved in the show, and they have a voice.” Smith told the Houston Chronicle.

He further discussed how everyone on the show has the freedom to express themselves. The 2x NBA champion said, “We’re the only show where, you know who Underdog (Joe Underhill) is, you know who and are, you know who Alex Houvouras is. Because we say their names on the show because they’re such a part of the show and we talk to them.” 

There is constant talk of Amazon Prime Video or ESPN recreating the show. However, it doesn’t appear to be easy work. There’s considerable chaos in TNT right now. First, it couldn’t finalize a deal with the NBA. Next, Warner Bros. Discovery’s deal was rejected, and now there’s a legal dispute between them and the NBA. Just a few days ago, Barkley also shared his thoughts with the public.

Charles Barkley doesn’t agree that Inside the NBA could be replicated

To be fair, neither do we. Chuck joined Inside the NBA in the early 2000s. This show has been going strong for years, even longer than that. Naturally, mimicking the show’s success won’t be easy for new faces in the game. 

As the Philadelphia 76ers legend said, “ESPN, which I love, they never give anybody a chance to get any chemistry. They’re all kind of throwing stuff at the wall, ‘Like, let’s put this group together,’ and they’ll do that for like six months to a year. And then they’re like, ‘It didn’t work.’ Well, you didn’t give it a chance to work,” Barkley said on Paul George’s podcast.

Chuck initially decided to retire from broadcasting, leaving many heartbroken. However, luckily, he has decided against it now. We can understand why Barkley was nervous. 

Stay tuned for more such updates and join us for the exciting second episode of the “Dual Threat Show” as our host BG12 sits down with Georgia Bulldogs star and Mountain West All-Freshman Team Selection, Asia Avinger.