For the better part of the year, Shaquille O’Neal and Inside the NBA dominated the headlines about their next home. ESPN has procured the licensing deal to air the show, as TNT lost the media rights deal. As NBC reclaims NBA rights, Michael Jordan’s undefined ‘special contributor’ title raises eyebrows. Nothing else about the role, appearance, or the contract is revealed. Despite skepticism, Shaq insists Jordan’s brand carries unmatched authority.

The Lakers legend previously argued with his son about his #1 basketball player. “For me, it’s uh, Michael Jordan,” and Myles tried to defend his take by stating he hadn’t seen MJ play. However, his father gave an appropriate and savage reply. “You got Google, don’t you?” Similarly, even now, the 4x NBA champion is confident in MJ’s abilities in his broadcasting career. When the question was asked if the players should be offended by the Bulls legend’s take, Shaq said the following.

“First of all, if anybody says Michael Jordan is hating, you’re an idiot. This man is the only man on earth with G19 classification. G19 higher than the President of the United States classification, like, of course, there’s a president, but this guy is a guy that can go behind the doors and get sh– done.” Shaq spoke to Ashley Nevel to defend the 6x NBA champion. Plus, the Big Aristotle also advised the young players to take any advice to heart to improve.

Shaq believes no stat can trump Jordan’s critique—players should heed it. “I would love to be playing right now in the drill. Like ‘Shaq tries to go to the middle, maybe he should use finesse game’. You know what I’m going to do when I hear that sh–, I’m going to go home and practice all my finesse sh–. And then the next game I’m going to be trying to show Mike that ‘Hey, Mr. Jordan, I have finesse in my game too.'”

Similarly, he compared the situation of Michael Jordan to that of current Tom Brady’s role in the NFL. Shaq feels that the 7x Super Bowl champions route of storytelling is the way to go for His Airness. “I’m a football guy, but when Tom Brady talks, I love to hear the stories and guess what I believe him, you know why I believe you, Tom? I was at all the Super Bowls that you won, I was there in the big suits watching you do what you do in the Super Bowl.” While Brady’s $375 million broadcasting debut drew mixed reviews—critics called it “an HR Zoom presentation” for its cautious delivery—Shaq praises the legend’s gradual embrace of narrative flair under his peers’ guidance.

Since the lore of MJ is so historic, anything he adds about the past will be an edge for NBC. Since we haven’t heard his side of the story in many stories. We had the Last Dance and Air, but there is a lot of scope in his historic career.

Despite Shaquille O’Neal’s praise, his co-host wants to temper down the expectations

“I’m telling you—it’s going to be must-see television, no matter what. ’Cause Michael Jordan speaks, we’re going to listen. But especially if the brother got a cigar in his hand.” This was Stephen A Smith all in on NBC’s announcement of MJ as the special contributor. Since he is a close confidant to the Bulls legend, he advised that a cigar-smoking Jordan would be the coolest analyst if that’s the role agreed upon. But many feel Jordan won’t be part of daily broadcasting.

This includes Charles Barkley, who was at one point a close friend of MJ. But their relationship deteriorated when the TNT analyst called out Michael Jordan for surrounding himself with yes-men during his stint as a majority owner. Chuck’s question on Jordan’s commitment to broadcasting stems from MJ’s love of golf.

“I have no idea what Michael’s going to do. I don’t think he’s going to do a lot. Well, first of all, I know he’s not, I know he’s not going to do a lot. I was 100% shocked, uh, but I don’t think he’s going to do a lot period.” Barkley’s skepticism stems from MJ’s preference for privacy: at NBC’s upfront presentation, Jordan appeared only via pre‑recorded message, while the rest of the new broadcast team mingled live. Since retirement, MJ has spent more time on the golf course than on the hardwood. Plus, he prefers staying away from the limelight and instead chooses to spend more time with family. Not to forget, NASCAR responsibilities as the team owner continue.

Beyond personality, insiders question whether Jordan’s ambivalent role will translate to ratings. NBCU Ad Chief Mark Marshall acknowledged he “can’t wait” for Jordan’s stories. But he also admitted network executives are roasting the lack of on‑site commitment. As Charles Barkley remarked to Spittin’ Chiclets, “He’s probably more excited about tweaking his Grove XXIII course than tweaking an NBA telecast,” a jibe that emphasized the gulf between legend and logistics. In short, while Shaquille O’Neal expects Jordan’s G‑19‑level influence to move the needle, his co‑hosts—and the network—are bracing for a more measured debut