Everyone knows and appreciates about Shaquille O’Neal’s legendary basketball journey. However, many overlook Shaquille O’Neal’s smooth transition into the sports media industry as a broadcaster.

In a recent interview, a 2x champion reveals the story behind his own transition from an NBA player to a broadcaster. He also talks about the dynamics of TNT’s ‘Inside the NBA‘ show and his beautiful friendship with the legendary Shaquille O’Neal.

2x NBA Champ’s shocking revelation

In a recent interview with “NBA India”, NBA veteran, Kenny Smith, initially talks about his journey from a player to a broadcaster. Kenny Smith laughs as he explains, “I was always a talker. But uh…actually my wife at the time was a broadcaster and I used to watch her do it.” The 2x NBA champion further explains, “Then I started practicing with her…to help her, it wasn’t even for me. And then after I stopped playing basketball, they were like ‘Man, you’re pretty good at this.’ and I was like ‘Wow’.”

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However, the former NBA veteran explains that the job of a broadcaster is not easy. Kenny Smith states, “You have to say it in 10 seconds…you have to say it shortly and have to be precise. And as a player, you don’t have to worry about time.”

The host of ‘NBA India’ then asks Smith if he has any core memories with his TNT’s ‘Inside the NBA’ buddies namely Shaquille O’Neal, Charles Barkley, and Ernie Johnson. Kenny Smith smiles as he says, “See when you say their names, I start laughing.” Kenny Smith then talks about his beautiful relationship with Lakers legend, Shaquille O’Neal.

Kenny Smith’s relationship with Shaquille O’Neal

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Kenny Smith says, “Shaq is like a little big brother.” He smiles as he explains, “So he’s like your little brother who’s much bigger than you. Who can pick you up and throw you around. He’s very physical in his comedy and so it’s a lot of fun.” The 2x NBA champion then talks about how Charles Barkley is the opposite. Smith says, “Charles is very verbal in his comedy. So it’s two different sides.” Kenny Smith further adds, “And then Ernie, who works with us as well. He kind of keeps everything in line. So it’s a lot of fun being with both of them. You said their names and I started smiling.”

TNT’s ‘Inside the NBA’ is a post-game studio show where these NBA legends talk about the game and everything basketball, hosted by Ernie Johnson from  1990, joined by Kenny “The Jet” Smith (1998–now), Charles Barkley (2000–now ) and Shaquille O’Neal (2011–now). The post-game studio show has become one of the most popular shows because of its mix of basketball highlights and unscripted banter among the analysts.

What are your thoughts on Kenny Smith’s journey from a player to a broadcaster? Let us know in the comments below!

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