As the NBA Playoffs have dwindled down to the final two teams, the sport also ended up saying goodbye to one of the most iconic shows in the industry.
With the NBA's media rights going to ESPN, TNT's "Inside the NBA," which features Shaquille O'Neal, Ernie Johnson, Kenny Smith and Charles Barkley, will also be making the move. While fans are excited that they get some version of the show, many concerns have been raised about whether or not ESPN will mismanage the show and its bold characters.
However, while appearing on the "Dan Patrick Show" on Monday, Barkley revealed that the quartet's time with TNT isn't exactly over. Instead, they will have a new show starting next year, and will split time with ESPN and TNT.
Whether Barkley and the team like it or not is up for interpretation.
11-time NBA All-Star and "Inside the NBA" host Charles Barkley.
11-time NBA All-Star and "Inside the NBA" host Charles Barkley.
Kyle Terada-Imagn Images
"TNT's trying to do something stupid behind the scenes," Barkley said. "We taped a pilot about a month ago and it was the stupidest (expletive) I've ever seen in my life. Because we're not gonna be on ESPN as much as people think...Well cause ESPN...We're probably only gonna be working for ESPN like half the time to one-third of the time. So I think TNT wants to do something and we taped a pilot about a month ago and it was the stupidest (expletive) ever.
When Patrick followed up with questions regarding the format of the new TNT show, Barkley revealed that it's clear they don't exactly know and that even the network wasn't a fan of the product.
"I'm telling you Dan it was interesting," Barkley said. "We were sitting there taping it...Well I will admit one thing. I give TNT credit, they did say it was awful pilot."
Although TNT no longer has the rights to NBA games, the panel is all under contract with them, with O'Neal signing a contract extension in February that is worth over $15 million per year, according to Front Office Sports. A caveat that led to Barkley expressing that he thinks TNT is forcing something to make them earn their money.
According to the same report, Barkley earns around $21 million per year.