Not one day in TNT goes without the crew’s odd and hilarious antics. One such endearing tradition followed in the studio is the analysts racing to the big boards. That one ritual itself unfolds several more humorous incidents. Just a few days ago, Shaquille O’Neal broke the TNT big board in excitement and got hilariously trolled by his teammate. The TNT analyst on the line this time was Kenny Smith.

As usual, Smith and Shaq got up for their race this time as well. While the Big Aristotle swiftly ran toward the board, things were different on the other side. Smith, who initially had the lead, slowed down and tried to match O’Neal’s pace, but happened to drop one of his belongings from his pocket on the floor and stopped midway. 

Barkley wasn’t impressed and quickly added, “You’re just a quitter,” while Johnson said, “Man, you got whipped.” Barkley further added, “Man, you got no pride.”

Smith nodded and reminded Chuck that it would be fine as long as he got to beat him (Chuck). Barkley and Johnson teased him relentlessly as he continued to explain and defend himself. After the train of taunts, Smith asked Shaq about what shoes he wore. To this, O’Neal flaunted his shoes, which were likely customized as the word “Shaq” was written on the outsole.

Well, that is still much better than Smith running too fast and tripping on the stairs just inches from the board. During this ritual on another fine day, Smith was alone in the race and he tripped over and fell on the stairs that led to the big board.

While this certainly must have hurt The Jet, the panel and netizens hilariously trolled the former Houston Rockets player. In another race, he cheated by cleverly placing a box in front of Charles Barkley to win. That box helped slow down Barkley and helped him seal a win. But why does it seem like Smith always has more struggles with the race than the rest?

Is it because of his knees?

Kenny Smith’s battle with his knee injury

The former NBA legend sustained a knee injury during the early years of his basketball career. He wasn’t even in college yet. Studying in Queens, Smith was simply trying to get on a train. In his rush, he broke his growth plate, which also required surgery. It was an enormous shock for the family and the NBA legend.

He had not even started his college basketball career with the dreams of raising the roof in the NBA. However, standing in his way was his knee injury. His father and family were a big support to the legend. He once shared how his father motivated him to continue.

“The doctors said surgery was necessary, and just like that, all my dreams fell into serious jeopardy. Playing on national television, advancing to college and the NBA—it was all endangered,” The Jet, once opened up about that incident.

So, maybe the knee issues sometimes show up when Smith is doing activities that require balance and strength in his knees. These antics, including the race, are just some of the many humorous incidents on the show that make it the icon it is.