Shaquille O’Neal’s New TNT Co-Host Reacts to Wholesome Verdict on Live TV Stint

After recurring appearances, Jamal Crawford is officially a staple of TNT Tuesdays. He’s now a permanent addition to the panel alongside Shaquille O’Neal, Candace Parker, and Adam Lefkoe. And he’s living up to the standards of TNT viewers. With his own segment on the weekly broadcast, the crossover expert is handling analysis as well as he can handle a ball. When one fan pointed it out, Crawford was moved enough to respond.

“Didn’t realize how good @JCrossover is on the NBA TV desk If given the chance, he could instantly be the best analyst on ESPN’s NBA pregame/postgame,” another sports media professional wrote. Crawford quoted the tweet and replied, “Enjoying my time with NBA TV/ TNT..Much respect!”

For two seasons, Crawford has acted as an NBA correspondent at NBA on TNT. Crawford’s initial NBA media foray began in 2021 with NBA League Pass. TNT included him in Inside the NBA to fill in whenever Shaq, Ernie, Kenny, or Chuck were unavailable. In 2022, he was officially a TNT analyst. He was starstruck just walking the same hallways as Shaq and Chuck. TNT personalities hyped his articulation and analysis. The 3x 6MOTY once recalled the moment he got the job.

WATCH THIS STORY | Shaquille O’Neal Surprises “Dummy” Charles Barkley on New Show Premiere With Mystery Call

“TNT called like, ‘Hey Charles [Barkley] is out, come in and just fill in for him.’ I’m filling in for the great Charles Barkley.” And he hasn’t looked back since. After a few appearances, he was addicted to the job. He even endured the customary rookie hazing by the Inside Crew.

Jamal Crawford blends in with the TNT crew

They didn’t make it easy for him but he passed the initiation with flying colors. “Racing to the board with Kenny [Smith] or Charles, it was the best introduction I could’ve had. I’m learning from legends. Now I want to be just as good as that as I was on the court,” Crawford said in 2023. He’s an annual participant but even he couldn’t outdo veteran Kenny “The Jet” Smith’s fakeout. He got a taste of Shaq’s cunning when he faked an injury to throw Crawford off guard.

You’re truly in when you’re personally victimized by Shaq. The giant prankster welcomed him to one edition of TNT Tuesday by dunking a bucket of popcorn on him.

Crawford popped up on Tuesdays often too. In 2024, he’s the official analyst on the Tuesday show after retiring his vintage Blackberry phone but still wears a phone holster. He also helms his weekly segment, ‘CrawsD Up,’ where he breaks down the good, the bad, and the ugly crossovers of the week. How would you rate Jamal Crawford’s TNT job?

READ MORE: Shaquille O’Neal Joins Hands With 31YO Canadian Rapper for “Crazy” Collab