Calls Mount to Replace Shaquille O’Neal Putting TNT Analyst’s Job in Jeopardy

When at times the basketball fans stay past their bedtime to see how their favorite teams fare, they also look forward to one of the shows that has become a mainstay in the NBA world with its quartet of NBA Legends— TNT’s Inside the NBA Show. It’s not just because the followers want player analysis, not the commentary, not the stats, but the raw organic thoughts, chemistry, humor, and unfiltered banter of the players who have done it all first-hand. In fact, that was always the idea. In 2011 when Shaquille O’Neal first joined Ernie Johnson, Kenny “The Jet” Smith, and Charles Barkley back, he wanted to emulate the persona of “the Black Bryant Gumbel and use big words and do all that.” Unsurprisingly, he was quickly shut down for one reason. 

As the former producer of the show Tim Kiely would put it, “Just talk about your experiences; talk about what you know. People know you know what you’re talking about because you did it.” And that’s how TNT came up with “The best show ever” that’s still a hit among fans. Over the years, the analytics-first show has evolved into the comedic, prank-filled extravaganza and as Shaq puts it “we’re funny, and it’s very organically funny. It’s not staged. The stuff that we do, it just comes up,” because they had one goal: “The least we want to do is entertain you.”

Despite the overall love the show receives, it turns out not every fan feels the same way about each member of the crew. In recent years, O’Neal’s name has popped up more often than not in that light. The Hall of Famer brings a different energy to the show, no doubt. Look at the Shaqtin-A-Fool segment or the pranks he plays at his colleagues, everything has a touch of what the Los Angeles Lakers legend truly is. But then there are times when it might get stretched a bit too far. And then, some of the fans would rather that he is no longer on the show anymore. The realization comes from a recent episode of the show.

On Monday’s episode, you probably did a double take because sitting in Shaq’s seat was the Detroit Pistons legend Jalen Rose. As Ernie Johnson introduced the hosts for the day, he said, “Sitting in, for Shaquille O’Neal, today and Tuesday, Jalen Rose.” While Rose has subbed for Shaq before, two straight no-shows from the Big Fella had even Kenny Smith puzzled. He asked, “Today and Tuesday?” Ernie responded, “Yeah. We don’t work Monday. Shaq’s got Tuesday off, so he’ll be here…”

Even Chuck seemed surprised that Tuesday was a day off as he claimed, “‘Cause we all fool?” But Barkley wasn’t totally in the dark. He added, “He is going to the Upfronts. You don’t want to do that.” Ernie intervened, “It’s not like he’s not working.” And just then came Chuck’s punch, “You don’t want to go, you don’t want to be in New York right now, some gagging going on.”

For those unfamiliar, Upfronts are media events where networks pitch their programming to advertisers—a very suit-and-tie kind of deal, likely involving Shaq on TNT’s behalf. Rose is no stranger to stepping up either having filled in before when Barkley and Smith were out. This time, it’s the fans’ reactions that have raised eyebrows though. Let’s just say, if Shaquille O’Neal or his fans read some of the online chatter, they might not love what’s being said.

Some fans enjoy Inside the NBA more without Shaquille O’Neal

One viewer summed up a growing sentiment online: “Jalen is such an improvement over Shaq.” That might sting a little for fans of the Hall of Famer, but it taps into something deeper. Inside the NBA has always thrived on chemistry more than play-by-play breakdowns—and that’s where Shaq divides the crowd. Critics argue Shaq’s humor often outweighs his X-and-O insights, and the big man’s style doesn’t always sit well. Even Kendrick Perkins once called him out, along with Barkley, for not keeping up with regular-season games.

And it’s not just one opinion floating around. Another fan opined, “so good to watch without Shaq…” It raises the question: How did one of the most beloved figures in basketball become such a polarizing voice on TV? Sure, the show’s wild and unpredictable energy is a fan favorite, but some say Shaq pushes it a little too far.

Top Comment by Douglas

I love Shaq. Great humor, very knowledgeable and a true HOFamer

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Debate

During the May 7, 2025 playoff edition of Inside the NBA, WWE superstar John Cena surprised the studio, prompting Shaquille O’Neal and Charles Barkley to break into an impromptu, full-on wrestling skit. Shaq body-slammed Barkley to the floor, then playfully pinned him as Cena looked on in amusement. This moment prompted one fan to joke, “Shaq bully Chuck as always.”

Consequently, some fans have bluntly demanded Shaq’s removal, “No Shaq is really good no toxic, bully, dumb and childish.” And these are now some rarely seen views. There have been instances on platforms like Reddit where they haven’t held back either. Some have called him “an egomaniacal pr*ck” and labeling him “very sensitive and petty.” Many are just tired of hearing about his rings when there’s a game unfolding in real-time.

Still, not every reaction was hostile on the recently shared Inside the NBA clip on YT. A few viewers even asked, “Where’s shaq,” and another added jokingly going with what Chuck mentioned, “He’s off foo lol.” Though most fans adore the show, some fans desire a shake-up.

Ultimately, Shaq’s unexpected absences have laid bare what many insiders already suspected. Inside the NBA thrives on its unique blend of big-man banter and basketball insight. Disrupting that balance risks alienating a vocal segment of its audience.