A resume full of highlight dunks, Blake Griffin, will soon add another title to his legacy. But before he begins his new role alongside co-analyst Dirk Nowitzki and host Taylor Rooks, he dunked on the Big Aristotle. A few days ago, an official confirmation was made about Amazon’s latest studio show, featuring the Clippers star. But he made it crystal clear that there would be a major difference between his show and the award-winning ‘Inside the NBA.’

“First of all, the TNT show Shaq, Chuck, and those guys they are probably one of the best sports shows of all time. To me, they are talking shit. There is not a lot of analysis. I mean that I’m not talking shit. It’s a great show.” On Carmelo Anthony’s podcast, Blake Griffin gave a candid description of his feelings for Shaquille O’Neal and Co. Apart from his dunking, the 2011 ROTY has tried his chops in his comedic career and is a very good impersonator.

So he imitated how the Inside guys especially Shaquille O’Neal usually talk. “Shaq’s just like, ‘You can’t guard me’ Ernie’s trying to keep it on the train like guys ‘Hawks are up by 14.’ Shaq’s like ‘I scored 14 in four minutes one time.'” But once again ended his statement with respect for the Emmy-winning show. “I love it.” The 6x All-Star later described his main differentiator from the competitors.

The No. 1 overall pick in the 2009 draft announced his sudden retirement in April last year. Despite suffering a season-ending injury in his first season, he would play for the next 13 years in the league. At the age of 35, one would say he is pretty tuned in with the current player’s mindset. That’s what he plans to do, “Bringing the analysis that is current” via the 7PM in Brooklyn.

The major criticism of the show has been the strong opinion against the players and the product. Even the Lakers coach and former analyst JJ Redick called out the behavior last season. However, Shaquille O’Neal’s co-host Charles Barkley went on a rant about how the players were ruining the league. But it seems another close associate of LeBron James had the same problem with the Inside guys. 

Shaquille O’Neal receives similar criticism from the Banana Boat duo

Now that Amazon has confirmed its studio show hosts, only a few spots remain from other competitors. Dwyane Wade and Carmelo Anthony are also in the running for the same gig. “The former Knicks sharpshooter is “talking to everybody” about possible studio and game analyst jobs, sources tell Front Office Sports.” The tweet from FOS confirmed Melo’s interest.

Previously, the Syracuse legend described his way of connecting with the fans. “You know, my door is open. I would probably have a different approach to it in terms of how I would like to speak the game and talk about the game creatively, what that looks like, and how that comes across.” Even Dwyane Wade said, “People expect you to criticize the players or be hard on the players, and that’s not my brand.”

Both of them never mentioned Shaquille O’Neal or Charles Barkley. But both those comments and Blake Griffin’s words make it easier to connect the dots and understand whom they are talking about.