When the final buzzer sounds on an NBA career, many players find themselves at a crossroads. While some, like Magic Johnson, transition seamlessly into business empires, others face the daunting prospect of a “regular” job. Take Adrian Dantley, who was once a promising small forward, and ended up working as a crossing guard after his retirement. Or Vin Baker, a 4x All-Star, who found himself brewing lattes at Starbucks. However, amidst the recent ongoing drama between TNT and the NBA, the former NBA player and sports analyst Charles Barkley has made a revelation about his career move.

In the recent episode of the ‘Throwbacks‘ podcast, the host of the show asked Barkley: How did he get into working for a TV channel? It was quite understandable why the host asked this since a prominent player like Chuck would have loved to be with an on-court job. However, the 61-year-old had a totally surprising answer.

“It’s really difficult when you play sports trying to figure out the next aspect of your life because it’s not a lot. First of all, you’re not gonna get a real job… we’ve never had a real job in our life so I’m not gonna go get a nine-to-five, coaching is like way too hard to work on, and then it’s like we got lucky and got one of this TV gig,” said Barkley during the podcast.

It can be said that the former Philadelphia 76ers’ journey from the hardwood to the broadcast booth wasn’t just about avoiding a desk job. It was a calculated move to continue with his personality and basketball IQ in a way that kept him connected to the game he loved.

“My mentor is a guy by the name Dick Ebersol and so my last couple years he said ‘What you think about TV?’ I said, ‘Well, I don’t know.’ because it wasn’t popular as it is now… However, Dick Ebersol talked me into it and I’ve been so lucky and blessed. I mean I made one of the greatest decisions of my life to go to Turner, to work with great Ernie Johnson and Kenny and then Shaq came along. I love the people I work with and work for,” said Barkley during the podcast.

However, even though Chuck shares his love for his show ‘Inside the NBA,’ the future of it is still uncertain. The show had been running on TNT since the 1989-1990 season. Surprisingly, the NBA suddenly struck a deal with Disney and Amazon Prime Video that resulted in the removal of broadcasting rights for TNT from the 2025-2026 season. As the lawsuit is still in progress, the question of what is the future of the show can’t be answered now.

Chuck has been associated with the show since 2000 and along with the cast which included Ernie Johnson Jr, Kenny Smith, and Shaquille O’Neal has helped the show grow with their honest opinions, resulting in them earning nineteen Sports Emmy Awards. For aspiring athletes and retiring stars alike, Barkley’s path offers a valuable lesson. However, despite an uncertain future, the show has added another veteran to its crew.

The new member of the ‘Inside the NBA’ cast

Even after going through a troubling lawsuit with the NBA, TNT has made a significant announcement that is sure to excite basketball fans. The network has confirmed the addition of the legendary NBA player Vince Carter will be joining the ‘Inside the NBA’ show.

Carter, a 9x NBA All-Star and the longest-tenured player in NBA history, is widely regarded as one of the greatest dunkers of all time. His addition to the roster is expected to elevate the show’s already high level of analysis and entertainment. “I am thrilled to have the opportunity to expand my role with the TNT Sports family… It’s an honor to be a part of it, and I’m looking forward to having some fun this season!” said Carter.

The Hall of Famer has scored an average of 16.7 PPG in the 1,541 games that he has played in his career. It can be speculated that the former shooting guard will continue with his on-court craft perfection on the show and bring more to its insightful commentary, entertaining banter, and iconic moments

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.