With the holidays in our rearview, we can now rap about our thoughts on the NBA’s coverage throughout the season. The NBA’s Christmas Day slate of games wasn’t outdone by whatever the NFL sought to put out there. The games didn’t disappoint, and Inside the NBA was at the helm for the chunk of it.
As NBA licensing deals for coverage went into effect this season, TNT saw its hit show switch channels. It brought Shaquille O’ Neal, Ernie Johnson, Kenny Smith and Charles Barkley to the land that they never thought they’d see. It brought them to the worldwide leader in sports: ESPN.
A fresh start
Now, with the change in scenery for the Inside crew, it came with a new schedule. Back on TNT, the show aired at least once a week, typically on Thursdays, and then carried alternate conference finals games each year. With this new ESPN schedule, the Inside crew is only working on limited dates. And unless you’re keyed in to a tee, most fans aren’t sure when those days are. So, what we end up with is the likes of Prime Video and Peacock airing basketball analyst shows much more often than Inside the NBA.
These newer shows tend to take a more softball approach to covering the game. It’s a quality that’s been lauded by many, including the NBA’s Commissioner Adam Silver. Some say it’s a breath of fresh air to have coverage of the sport that isn’t constantly made light of or harshly critiqued.
Swagger jacking
But the caveat is that most basketball analyst shows have sought to create the chemistry that has always been on display on Inside the NBA. It’s a staple and the core of their success. What that crew understands is that people want to be entertained. There’s a reason why all other ensemble casts in the field haven’t lasted as long.
What’s working that people want to watch? I’ll tell you. It’s the antics, combined with knowledge of the game and the competency of having played it at a high level. You have O’Neal, who is a Hall of Famer, four-time champion and MVP. There’s Smith, a two-time champion in his own right and a role player who excelled in his role. Then, there’s Barkley, a former league MVP and Olympic gold medalist, as well as a Hall of Famer. Resumes like that add a legitimacy that’s hard to replicate on any other show. Not to mention, they exhibit a fearlessness that challenges players who aren’t playing to their potential. Lastly, it’s about having enough intestinal fortitude to speak on the proverbial elephants in the room. That’s where Inside The NBA shines and always will.
As much as I enjoy these new shows, they aren’t without drawbacks. There are moments where you see reasons why players excelled or why success was inhibited. For instance, when you watch Michael Jordan’s sit-downs with Mike Tirico, much of his commentary stems from his incessant drive and dedication to the game.
I can remember Tracy McGrady responding to Jordan’s “Love of the Game” clause in his contract. In short, the clause stipulates that Jordan was allowed to play pick-up basketball anywhere and any time he saw fit. He enjoyed playing so much that he wanted the ability to do so without risking violation of his contract. When asked about his thoughts on said clause, McGrady, in so many words, said it couldn’t be him. He would much rather use his off-season to relax and heal up.
But Jordan’s durability, for instance, was one of his hallmarks. Perhaps if McGrady had taken that approach, his career could’ve been even better. But back to my lecture at hand, every show has its pros and cons. However, what Inside The NBA has accomplished is to mesh all the good into what they do. They go far beyond analyzing basketball games; they’re legitimately a TV show. The number one goal of that? To be entertaining.
Optically, I can see why it may seem like they have fallen off. They aren’t on as often anymore — but since their show’s format has largely remained untouched, they’re still as sharp as ever. I believe that later in the season and into the playoffs, we’ll see the best of Johnson and the gang. With more appearances, they’ll be looking to remind everyone exactly who the hell they are and have been. I wouldn’t count them out just yet. Remember, these newer ensembles haven’t had the years together to ever be able to hold a candle to what O’ Neal, Johnson, Smith and Barkley have built. To suppose that they have fallen off would also suppose that there is a new crew that’s at the top. We’re not at that moment yet. So, until then, we should just sit back, relax, and enjoy the show.