Ranking 'Inside the NBA' best moments from Shaq, Charles Barkley, Kenny Smith and Ernie Johnson

Gilbert McGregor

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Ranking 'Inside the NBA' best moments from Shaq, Charles Barkley, Kenny Smith and Ernie Johnson image

The announcement that Turner Sports lost NBA broadcast rights following the 2024-25 season has basketball fans reeling as it implies that TNT's "Inside the NBA" studio show will be no more.

While the show was first introduced in 1989, the current "Inside" crew of Ernie Johnson, Charles Barkley, Shaquille O'Neal and Kenny Smith have been a team since the 2011-12 season. 

In the 13 seasons since, the four have provided countless unforgettable moments.

The show is comedic gold in every possible way — "Shaqtin' a Fool," "Who He Play For?" and "Gone Fishin'" segments always deliver, O'Neal and Smith are elite instigators who waste no opportunity to remind everyone that Barkley never won a championship, and history has shown that when Barkley is ready to rant, he's going to rant. (Apologies to Kevin Durant as well as the cities of Phoenix, San Antonio and Galveston, Texas.)

As funny as the segments are, some of the best moments in the history of "Inside the NBA" have been the crew's organic reactions to happenings around the league. And while it's impossible to list every moment, here are a few of the best.

Don't cry because "Inside the NBA" is potentially over, cry from laughter while you revisit these moments.

MORE: Where will Shaquille O'Neal land after TNT loses NBA rights?

Ranking 'Inside the NBA' best moments

1. 'Police presence' fallout from Rockets-Clippers drama

After a heated battle between the Rockets and Clippers that spilled into the locker room area postgame, Ros Gold-Onwude was on the scene.

As she explained the "police presence" on the scene, O'Neal and Barkley could not contain their laughter, going as far as mocking how they'd imagine a call with a 911 dispatcher would go.

2. The Big Aristotle's gas tank philosophy

As Smith spoke about choosing a new car, O'Neal tried to provide advice on how often to purchase gas. The result … well, this one you'd have to watch to understand. And you probably still won't understand.

3. Chuck explains how he got his bracelet

An innocent question about Barkley's unique bracelet took the studio crew on a wild ride. O'Neal's inability to contain his laughter makes this one.

MORE: Where could Charles Barkley go after TNT loses NBA rights?

4. 'It's supposed to be 1, 2, 3 not 1, 2 back to 1'

When Johnson has to step away from the desk, you know the comedy has reached its peak. He did just that when Barkley cut O'Neal off during a postgame segment.

And while Barkley tried to make light of it by calling O'Neal "Mr. Sensitive," O'Neal, a typically playful person, was in no playing mood — he was incensed when he shared the above quote, prompting Johnson to walk away to collect himself.

5. James Harden falls in the 2022 NBA All-Star Draft

Hours after Harden's request to be traded away from the Nets was honored, then-Nets forward Kevin Durant was on TNT with some of the world's best instigators.

What could have been awkward became increasingly hilarious as everyone became aware that Durant would not be selecting his former teammate. The instigators egged him on and LeBron James had to cover his face to hide his laughter.

An all-timer.

MORE: Where will Shaquille O'Neal land after TNT loses NBA rights?

6. 'You set me up, Ernie'

One of the many traditions on set is for a member of the "Inside" crew to race Smith to the video board during halftime. Usually, it makes for a photo finish to determine the winner, but in January of 2016, it resulted in O'Neal taking a HARD fall.

Shaq falling is funny in itself but especially here, as he lost his shoe while falling in dramatic fashion. Don't worry, the big fella was OK.

7. 'Two words for you'

This one predates the modern "Inside" crew, but Barkley's attempt to deliver a punchy promo resulted in absolute comedy. Two words turn into nearly a dozen, and Johnson plays it perfectly.

8. Timberwolves Play-In Tournament celebration

Gilbert McGregor

Gilbert McGregor Photo

Gilbert McGregor first joined The Sporting News in 2018 as a content producer for Global editions of NBA.com. Before covering the game, McGregor played basketball collegiately at Wake Forest, graduating with a Communication degree in 2016. McGregor began covering the NBA during the 2017-18 season and has been on hand for a number of league events.