TNT’s “Inside The NBA” has often been considered the best NBA talk show in the business. Featuring Charles Barkley, Shaquille O’Neal, Ernie Johnson, and Kenny Smith, the crew has become beloved by fans for their chemistry and comedy.
But recently, they’ve been coming under fire for their coverage of the game, with an increasing number of people feeling as though their takes, jokes, and wisecracks have become a liability to the game.
“It’s a horrible look for the league to have your flagship halftime pre-game show dislike the league their covering, hate the modern players, talk sh*t about them, and actually not watch anything.”
It is true that the crew has been highly critical of players in the past. Not long ago, Shaq went viral for telling Donovan Mitchell he doesn’t have what it takes for “the next level.” Those kinds of statements, along with trash talk about the modern NBA, have really rubbed folk the wrong way.
As for whether or not it’s bad for the NBA is up for debate. On one hand, there are countless people who enjoy their show, and there is no doubt it helps draw people in. on the other hand, it might be adding to the negative stigma about the current state of the game.
Needless to say, this isn’t a debate that will end any time soon.
