For over three decades, “Inside the NBA” has reigned supreme as the gold standard of sports commentary shows. But as the NBA shifts its media rights, uncertainty looms over the beloved cast of over a decade. Just as much as the viewers hold onto their hopes, so does Shaquille O’Neal. And so, while none knows the events past 2025, the Big Diesel knows the near future, built on wanting to make the most of the speculated final days. 

In the recent episode of “The OGs Podcast” former NBA player turned analyst Udonis Haslem brought up the topic of “Inside the NBA” and asked Shaq if he would give Haslem a chance to be on the show for one time before its ending. “I Promise,” Shaq began in the podcast, “But this last year’s going to be a phenomenal year. You know Chuck gonna go crazy, I’m gonna go crazy, it’s gonna be fun. Hopefully, this is not the last year.”

The “Inside the NBA” show began airing on the TNT network in 1989. Originally there were no fixed hosts or members but since 2000, it evolved into today’s format. Ernie Johnson who had been with the show since the very start, got company from Kenny Smith in 1998. Charles Barkley joined the team in the year 2000, and thus the dynamic show became a three-man team. The last great addition came in 2011, when Shaquille O’Neal signed for the team.

“So in a perfect world I would love for us to stay together forever but you know it’s in the hands of the powers right,” said the former Los Angeles Lakers center during the podcast.

Amazon has tried to bring in the Inside the NBA crew to its own network but Barkley and Ernie Johnson seem too loyal to leave the team at TNT behind. Without them, it is highly unlikely Shaq and Kenny Smith, who have been rather quiet on their future plans, would go ahead. But Chuck did claim he would keep working with his “TNT family” to develop shows in the future. That might as well be where the crew could reunite, considering Shaq loves his Inside the NBA segment with his crew a little too much.

Shaquille O’Neal was hopeful about “Inside the NBA” return

At the beginning of this month when the broadcasting lawsuit was unfolding, Shaq during and interview had stated that he wasn’t going to sit quiet.

During an appearance on “The Pat McAfee Show” Shaq had calmed everyone regarding the show. “I am a consummate professional, so I’m not going to go left or go right. I just know we’re going to do this year and, hopefully, something can be arranged out to where the show continues,” said Shaq during the interview.

The seven-footer had also assured everyone that if the management decided that the show would end, it would end with a blast. Only time will tell what will happen in the end.

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