Latest news with #KennySmith
Time of India
11 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
ESPN has zero plans to change the iconic show Inside the NBA's structure
ESPN has zero plans to change the iconic show Inside the NBA's structure (Image Source: Getty) Days after Inside the NBA made its last appearance on TV, almost 40 years after it first began broadcasting, fans and basketball players, commentators had a different emotional experience. After TNT lost rights for broadcasting, ESPN took over the decision and will now be showcasing the same. The idea that ESPN has is to not change anything with respect to the broadcasting, so that fans don't experience any change. ESPN taking over Inside the NBA All the famous basketball stars, especially Ernie Johnson, Charles Barkley , Shaquille O'Neal and Kenny Smith bid an emotional goodbye to their fans after their brilliant commentary. While fans are worried that the show might change entirely, however, ESPN confirms nothing will change. As per Michael McCarthy from Front Office Sports, ESPN has no plans of changing anything with the show — Inside the NBA. As per Sports Illustrated, he said, I'm hearing from sources that ESPN has zero plans to change the iconic show's DNA, TNT will retain full editorial control. So expect to see the same funny, bombastic, basketball show that's earned 21 Sports Emmy Awards during its historic run.' Fans have been worried about the broadcasting, especially, with respect to the content that was shown, which was entertaining. However, ESPN allowed bigger stars like Pat McAfee and Stephan A Smith to take up the opportunity without any regulations. Sports Illustrated said, as per a source, who told McCarthy, 'Some of the speculation's just nuts. ESPN has wanted Barkley and this show for 20 years. Now that they've got it, why would they change it?' While Inside the NBA's popular face, Kenny Smith was doubtful about the same. He said, 'We have the same crew of people doing the show,' Smith said. 'But the timing: Are we a half hour now? Are we forty-five minutes? Fifteen minutes? Those are the things that you can control when you own your I.P. But we don't. That was the only part that made me uncomfortable and disheartened.' Fans worried over the takeover A fan said, 'Farewell to TNT, Mamba forever.' Another fan said, 'Inside The NBA is the best sports show that has ever existed and I am sad that it's over but so very thankful that it existed.' Another fan reacted, saying, 'NBA on TNT had a historical run, all the moments from Inside the NBA, to Kevin Harlan's classic calls…We thank Ernie, Shaq, Chuck, Kenny, Kevin, and the rest of the crew over the years for providing the best sports show of our lives.' Also Read: Will Stephan Curry eye an NBA TV broadcasting role post-retirement? Golden State Warriors veteran explains his future goals Now that Inside the NBA moves to ESPN, but as per AI Bat's new report, ESPN will ensure the post game show runs as long as it used to, and it will be broadcasted on both ESPN and ABC, without any limitations.
Yahoo
16 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
'Inside the NBA' will reportedly run as usual with 'extensive' postgame show on ESPN networks
By almost all previous accounts, ESPN has no plans to interfere with "Inside the NBA" when the iconic studio show transitions from TNT to its own networks next season. But concerns linger that ESPN will do something to mess things up, specifically around the timing of the show. Will ESPN — a network that doesn't do dedicated NBA postgame coverage — continue to allow "Inside the NBA" to run as usual after games? Advertisement Per a report on Monday, it will. Front Office Sports reported further details about the show's move to ESPN's networks starting in the 2025-26 season — most notably that "Inside the NBA" will be allowed "extensive" postgame run after games that air on ESPN networks, including its parent network, ABC. From the report: "There will be an extensive post-game show, say sources. ESPN's goal is to let the post-game segment run as long as it does now on TNT." That's cause for relief for the show's loyal viewers, many of whom have watched some combination of Ernie Johnson, Kenny Smith, Charles Barkley and Shaquille O'Neal guide and entertain them after NBA games for decades. The show is appointment viewing for fans, even when the games that the show covers are not. Despite that reassurance, there's been legitimate reason for concern that ESPN won't give "Inside the NBA" the runway that it's enjoyed at TNT. ESPN's track record with decisions around NBA studio content is dicey at best and a big reason that chairman Jimmy Pitaro outsourced it to "Inside the NBA" when he saw the chance. Kenny Smith was skeptical Smith raised those concerns in an interview with the New Yorker after the TNT/ESPN partnership was announced. "We have the same crew of people doing the show," Smith said. "But the timing: Are we a half hour now? Are we forty-five minutes? Fifteen minutes? "Those are the things that you can control when you own your I.P. But we don't. That was the only part that made me uncomfortable and disheartened, because I felt that the four of us should have went into ABC to negotiate that deal. I'm not saying that our executives don't know how to do that, but we are the I.P. now." Will unfiltered Charles Barkley run on ABC airwaves? Podcaster and former ESPN writer and personality Bomani Jones floated concern about "Inside the NBA" running as a dedicated postgame show on Monday while raising another question. Is ESPN really going to let Charles Barkley speak unfiltered in postgame coverage over the traditional and inherently more conservative airwaves of ABC? "My concern about taking 'Inside' to ESPN, ESPN historically has not done postgame shows," Jones said in an edited clip from his show Monday morning. "If you're not gonna do the 'Inside the NBA' postgame show, you're getting rid of the best part. "It doesn't seem like it'll be a gratifying experience. But they also can't put that on ABC. That would be preposterous." What happens to SVP, other ESPN shows? There's also the subject ESPN's existing coverage. ESPN has an established postgame routine that features one of its own strongest brands, "SportsCenter with Scott Van Pelt." Advertisement Is ESPN going to preempt Van Pelt in favor of an outsourced product? SVP's show frequently features an immediate postgame interview with the star of the game, which is also the turf of "Inside the NBA." Doing both shows at the same time on different ESPN networks doesn't make much sense. Then there's ESPN's much-maligned existing studio coverage that handles pregame and halftime coverage that's also the turf of the "Inside the NBA" team. ESPN previously announced that "NBA Countdown" and "NBA Today," will continue to air in some form. So "Inside the NBA" isn't fully replacing ESPN's NBA studio coverage. Reports continue to indicate that ESPN will not tinker with "Inside the NBA." But the network has yet to provide details of its plans about how and when the show will air. (for TNT) (Michael Loccisano via Getty Images) How will these properties all co-exist? The FOS report didn't address specifics. And ESPN did not comment on how "Inside the NBA will be scheduled." But thanks to its extensive collection of networks, ESPN does have options. If the game airs on ABC, ESPN would have the option of tossing postgame "Inside the NBA" coverage to ESPN. Advertisement Would it use a similar strategy to juggle "Inside the NBA" with SVP's SportsCenter? Airing both in competing time slots on different ESPN networks seems equally preposterous. They're both marquee, spotlight shows that demand access to postgame coverage from the arena. It would appear to be a one or the other decision for ESPN, with Monday's FOS report suggesting that "Inside the NBA" will have priority over SVP in whatever decision is made. But again, ESPN has not confirmed scheduling specifics. It has confirmed in previous statements that "TNT Sports will continue to independently produce 'Inside the NBA'" in addition to providing the following broader framework for when the show will air: "The legendary 'Inside the NBA' studio team will appear on ESPN and ABC surrounding high-profile live events, including ESPN's pregame, halftime and postgame coverage of the NBA Finals on ABC, conference finals, NBA playoffs, all ABC games after January 1, Christmas Day, opening week, the final week of the season and other marquee live events." Advertisement Will ESPN's established studio show be relegated to covering games that aren't considered "marquee" or "high-profile?" A lot of these questions remain unanswered, perhaps because ESPN hasn't yet figured the details out. Until it does and we see "Inside the NBA" on ESPN's networks, we won't be fully sure what the merger will look like.
Yahoo
a day ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Kenny Smith's Possible Replacement Floated by Former ESPN Host Ryen Russillo
Kenny Smith's Possible Replacement Floated by Former ESPN Host Ryen Russillo originally appeared on Athlon Sports. Saturday night marked the end of an era for the iconic NBA on TNT and its flagship television show 'Inside the NBA' as host Ernie Johnson put a bow on the show's final episode. Advertisement The end of the show coincided with the Indiana Pacers' Eastern Conference Finals clinching Game 6 win over the New York Knicks and sparked talk of potential changes for the show moving forward as it heads to ABC and ESPN. On Sunday, the show's iconic quartet of Johnson, Kenny Smith, Shaquille O'Neal and Charles Barkley was put on notice by former ESPN host Ryen Russillo as he floated out an interesting potential swap of analysts. Mina Kimes at the 2025 Pro Bowl Skills Challenge. © Kirby Lee-Imagn Images "You have to have these guys after games weighing in on the big picture on stuff that really only Barkley and where the show matters, and they can't (expletive) with it," The Ringer founder Bill Simmons said on a podcast with Russillo on Sunday. Advertisement "What if they replaced Kenny with (ESPN hostess) Mina Kimes?" Russillo casually floated out on the show as his co-hosts began smiling and laughing. "With ESPN people?" Simmons asked Russillo as Russillo clarified his idea. "Just thinking of crossover appeal," Russillo added. Kimes joined ESPN in 2014 when she became a writer for ESPN the Magazine. She was resigned to a multi-year agreement with the network in December 2023 worth $1.7 million as she began to expand her presence on several different ESPN shows. Smith joined Inside the NBA as an analyst in 1998 after his playing career with the Houston Rockets, North Carolina Tar Heels and other teams. Advertisement He is expected to reprise his role with Johnson and his fellow analysts next year. Related: Luka Doncic Has Epic 5-Word Response to Critics on LeBron James Podcast This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 2, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
NBA On TNT Emotionally Signed Off For The Last Time Saturday
After decades of iconic moments, tons of laughs, and legendary comradery and commentary, NBA on TNT has officially checked out of the game. The network aired its final basketball broadcast, closing the curtain on an era that gave us never ending hilarious debates, buzzer-beater reactions, and halftime thoughts and jokes. Not only are the hosts of "Inside the NBA" feeling the full-court heartbreak, so are fans. Advertisement Shaquille O'Neal, Charles Barkley, Kenny Smith, and Ernie Johnson all shared their thoughts and feelings during the final broadcast before the show wrapped for the last time on Saturday night. And That's A Wrap: NBA On TNT Has Aired For The Final Time YouTube | NBA on TNT Fans knew that last broadcast was going to be an emotional one, and for good reason. "Inside the NBA" has been known for its basketball commentary, debates, and absolutely hilarity between the four hosts. The last broadcast was Saturday night during the Indiana Pacers vs. New York Knicks Eastern Conference Final game six in Indiana. Advertisement While this is the end of the guy's time on TNT, the show will go on, just on a different network. And all four hosts will keep the show alive next season in the new home. Each host took some time to share their thoughts and feelings during the last broadcast. Shaquille O'Neal: 'We're A Family' YouTube | NBA on TNT Finals words from each host started with O'Neal, who quickly pointed out that he's "the youngest here." "It's been a great run. It's been an honor. Chuck, I love you like the older brother that I never had," he said. "And if you say something, I will whoop your a-- one last time on this show right now." Advertisement He continued with a message for both Smith and Johnson before saying they will be "sticking together." "We're a family. I'm glad we're sticking together. And like I said, even though the name changes, the engine is still the same," he said. "And to the new network we're coming to, we're not coming to f around." He concluded his speech by saying he "loves" and "appreciates" the guys. Kenny Smith Said NBA On TNT Has Been A 'Magnificent Ride' YouTube | Kenny Smith And then the attention turned to Smith, who shared that this moment is "bittersweet." Advertisement "Not just because us four are moving, but it's been a history that has been set by all of the people that have laid the groundwork behind the scenes, before the scenes, the game crew, the toss back crew," he shared before naming some important people involved in the show. "We're gonna see each other, but the faces that you're going to miss, that you forget that they are everyday of your life, this has just been a magnificent ride," he said. It was then time to pass the mic to Barkley. Charles Barkley Thanked TNT And Many Others YouTube | NBA on TNT Barkley began by saying he "got lucky and made one of the best decisions ever." Advertisement He shared that he was going to go to NBC, but after being invited to dinner with Turner, after five hours, he decided to change his mind and go to TNT. He also thanked some important people who helped him throughout his journey at Turner for the past 25 years. "If you're with people that long, they are your family," he said. "And I just want to thank everybody at Turner for the last 25 years. It's been an honor and I'm grateful and thankful. And also to ESPN, it's gonna be an honor and privileged to work with you guys." He also thanked the NBA and "every coach I had, every player I played with" for giving him the life he's had. "I'm lucky and blessed," he said. "And I want to thank TNT and even though we will never say TNT sports again, I want to thank TNT for giving me a magnificent life." Ernie Smith Gets Emotional Saying Goodbye To NBA On TNT YouTube | NBA on TNT Johnson, last to say his goodbyes, got choked up at the end. Advertisement "I'll try to keep this brief," he started. "Several years ago, I wrote a book called 'Unscripted' and I asked people to embrace the unscripted and not fear the unscripted. If I had written the script, the NBA and TNT would be together forever. It's not gonna happen, but while I was disappointed and I was sad, I was not bitter. We know how business works. Gratitude is the operative word for me." Since 1989, Johnson has been with TNT. He said no matter what you call the company; he will always be "Turner." He's grateful for his time working with the guys and reminisced about the good times. Holding back tears, he thanked everyone and said he was "honored to do this." "The four of us are gonna be together, our production crew is gonna be together," he said. "It's gonna be that same bunch. We're still gonna be shooting that show in Atlanta, it's just gonna air somewhere else. And so, the craziness that you've seen, the nonsense and the foolishness and the top-notch basketball analysis all of that stuff will be on ESPN or ABC next year, not on TNT. For that, we're sad." He concluded his speech emotionally with, "But I'm proud to say for the last time, thanks for watching us. It's the NBA on TNT."
Boston Globe
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Boston Globe
‘Inside the NBA' will live on, but the potential for meddling is a good excuse to celebrate it again
This crossed my mind recently for a few reasons. The show added the latest two Sports Emmys to its collection ('Inside the NBA' was nominated for outstanding weekly studio show, but lost to ESPN's 'College GameDay.' No shame in that.) Advertisement This year's awards occurred a few days before one of the funniest moments I've ever witnessed while watching 'Inside the NBA.' Analyst Kenny Smith was telling a long story about how his mother wouldn't allow him to have a car while he was a student at the University of North Carolina unless he got all Bs or better for grades. Barkley and fellow analyst Shaquille O'Neal needled him, as they do, and Barkley fired off a line that made everyone in my living room laugh out loud as the show headed for a commercial break. 'And to this day,' said Barkley, 'Kenny has never driven a car.' "The show is still here baby... WE DEM BOYZ!" Shaq has us ready to run through a brick wall 😤 — NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) Yes, as a matter of fact, I am sitting here guffawing like an idiot as I type those words. Advertisement That one-liner was quintessential Barkley, who has the Must-Watch factor in a way only John Madden and a very short list of other sports broadcasters have achieved. The joke was so perfectly befitting a show in which the talent interacts not as colleagues, but in the no-one-is-safe-from-being-a-punchline way that real, genuine, unfiltered friends do. The collective chemistry of 'Inside the NBA,' in which ego is consistently punctured for the sake of comedy, is extremely hard to find in sports television, as evidenced by pretty much every awkward and uninspiring version of an NBA studio show that ESPN has ever produced. That, of course, is the other reason the show has been on my mind, and the minds of most other NBA fans. TNT's superb run as NBA broadcast rights partner will end with the conclusion of the Pacers-Knicks Eastern Conference finals. 'Inside the NBA' will continue, but under different circumstances that should bring at least some skepticism about whether a show that needs not a single change will remain quite the same. After months of drama and uncertainty about its future, parent company Warner Brothers Discovery The full cast — Johnson, Barkley, Smith, and O'Neal, who have been together since 2011 — will remain intact. TNT will continue to produce the show. Make no mistake: Compared with where this originally appeared headed, the 'Inside'-to-ESPN outcome is awfully close to a best-case scenario. I just wish I could be convinced, as some of my other sports-media columnist brethren apparently are, that ESPN won't screw this up. Advertisement ESPN has spent years, even decades, trying and failing to come up with NBA studio programming that can be mentioned in the same book as 'Inside The NBA,' let alone on the same page or sentence. It has failed and failed again, and its worst version yet is probably its current one, with Stephen A. Smith chronically caterwauling about the Knicks and Kendrick Perkins inevitably contradicting something he said a few minutes earlier. Maybe its weird to be nostalgic for something that isn't truly ending, but the I'm-gonna-miss-this sentiments come in part out of fear for what ESPN might do to what TNT built. Related : Since TNT will produce the show, perhaps that will prevent some ESPN interference. But you're telling me Mike Greenberg, or Perkins, or Screamin' A., won't be shoehorned on the set from time to time, or perhaps more than time to time? ESPN's if-you-can't-beat-'em, license-'em approach is wise, and it saved a wonderful show, but I've seen too many TV executives screw up too many good things to believe ESPN bosses will be able to resist some wholly unnecessary tinkering. The thoughtful Smith — c'mon, he definitely has driven a car, Chuck — expressed some skepticism regarding whether the show will remain the same in 'We have the same crew of people doing the show,' he said. 'But the timing: are we a half hour now? Are we forty-five minutes? Fifteen minutes? Those are the things that you can control when you own your [intellectual property]. But we don't.' Advertisement We won't know how this is going to go until we see it a few times. So allow me, then, to be nostalgic for something that will still exist. I've thought often of Watching TNT's NBA coverage wind down the last few weeks has felt a little like watching Sam Malone close Cheers for the last time. Had he and the gang matriculated to a new bar, we still would have known their names. It would not have felt the same. Chad Finn can be reached at
