Shaquille O’Neal and Charles Barkley join forces on TNT – NBA Update
Shaquille O’Neal confirmed on Thursday morning, that he will be joining TNT’s “Inside the NBA” studio show that has already become the most famous basketball talk show featuring a cast of Ernie Johnson, Kenny Smith and “Sir” Charles
Barkley.
The fact that the Big Aristotle will now be dropping his pearls of wisdom alongside Sir Charles is an exciting thought for all NBA fans, who will surely love watching two of the most colourful personalities in the history of the
game go head to head outside the court.
The two memorably once got into an on court altercation that resulted in their ejections but have since become good friends and spoken of the mutual respect they have for each other.
The Diesel had promised his fans that he will take a big step after his retirement and everyone believed that Shaq would not be out of the spotlight for long. Rumours started to surface a little while ago that Shaq had indeed agreed
to join TNT and the Big Shamrock confirmed this on Thursday,
"I can't wait to begin my new career with Turner," O'Neal said in a statement. "Over the past several years the team at Turner has taken the NBA and entertainment, in general, to a whole new level. I'm grateful for the opportunity
to join the amazing team at Inside the NBA and I hope I can further the fans experience on a regular basis."
Shaq reportedly had a big offer from ESPN/ABC as well but favoured Turner because of the flamboyant cast they had for “Inside the NBA”.
O’Neal signed a multi-year agreement with the company which will see him cover the regular season as well as NBA All-Star Weekend and NBA Playoffs as part of TNT’s team.
Shaq also promised that he will be fair and un-biased in his comments and criticism on the show. Shaq often had issues with criticism directed at him and did not spare people from his wrath when he thought they deserved it. However
he said that after 19 years of NBA basketball behind him, he was in a good position to judge and call the play as he sees it.
Shaquille O’Neal is one of the most dominant centres to have ever graced an NBA court. He collected numerous accolades during his illustrious career which include being a 15 times All Star, 2 time scoring champion, Rookie of the
Year, one time Regular Season MVP and 3 times NBA Finals MVP.
“Inside the NBA” cast member Kenny Smith welcomed Shaq’s decision to join the show,
"The addition of `The Big Analytical' will be terrific," Smith said in a statement. "I can't wait to make verbal passes to the most dominant centre of our time."
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