Inside the NBA has been a cornerstone of basketball coverage for more than three decades.
Since its debut after TNT acquired NBA rights in the 1989-90 season, Inside the NBA has been hosted by Ernie Johnson Jr., joined by analysts Kenny Smith (since 1998), Charles Barkley (since 2000) and Shaquille O’Neal (since 2011).
Over its run on TNT, the show has earned nineteen Sports Emmy Awards.
On Wednesday, amid offseason chatter about Inside the NBA’s upcoming move to ESPN and ABC for the 2025-26 season, O'Neal took to Instagram to share a throwback photo of Michael Jordan soaring over Charles Barkley for one of the most iconic dunks in NBA history.
Captioned "Under dog, put this on a t‑shirt," the post references an affectionate nickname for TNT’s longtime producer, known on set as "Under dog."
A four-time NBA champion (2000-2002 with the Lakers, 2006 with Miami), three-time Finals MVP and the 2000 regular-season MVP, O'Neal was also a 15-time All-Star and eight-time All-NBA First Team selection across a 19-year career that ended in 2011.
His career averages of 23.7 points, 10.9 rebounds and 2.3 blocks per game earned him enshrinement in both the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame and the FIBA Hall of Fame.
On the other side, you have Barkley, nicknamed "Sir Charles" and "the Round Mound of Rebound," who was one of the NBA’s most prolific power forwards.
Over a 16-year career (1984-2000), he was an 11-time All-Star, NBA MVP in 1993 and led the league in rebounding in 1987.
Barkley averaged 22.1 points, 11.7 rebounds and 3.9 assists per game over his career, reaching the NBA Finals with the Phoenix Suns in 1993.
He was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame twice, once individually (2006) and again as part of the 1992 Olympic "Dream Team" (2010).
NBA legend Charles Barkley and Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green..
NBA legend Charles Barkley and Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green..
© Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
When Barkley joined TNT’s studio in 2000 and O'Neal followed in 2011, their contrasting personalities created an on-air chemistry that has since become a ratings magnet.
Their playful jabs and friendly pranks have become as much a part of the show’s DNA as its in-depth X’s and O’s.