"Inside The NBA: A New Era Begins"

NBA opening week isn't complete without one of THE GREATEST 
sports shows to reach television audiences. It was a staple in every 
household, rather you liked basketball or not. Name me one person who 
hasn't watched it. Well ladies and gentlemen, our favorite panel of 
"uncles" began a new era.

"Inside The NBA" made its regular season debut on ESPN. After many 
seasons at TNT, it was very concerning about what would happen. No 
concrete evidence as to how the show would be formatted. A new 
network who's struggled for ratings and took a gamble. Would it be 
catered to ESPN's "corporate mindset" in luring new viewers? Or stay 
the same in part of how well everyone meshed together? 

All of that flew out the window, as Ernie Johnson, Shaquille O'Neal, 
Kenny Smith and Charles Barkley picked up where they left off prior to 
leaving TNT. Their show would broadcast from Studio J in Atlanta, 
Georgia plastered with ESPN's logos. All the jokes, laughs and what 
made this show very entertaining didn't miss a beat. 

If you've yet to watch, Barkley was worried about the gruesome ESPN 
schedule which would follow with a gag reel of him bashing the network. 
A mock of appearances he'd make and of course, everyone poking fun 
at him. O'Neal's infinite wisdom of being a dominant player and 
understanding what it takes to win championships is always a golden 
gem for younger fans. Smith's voice of reason without being too coddled 
with perspectives outweighing valid points. Johnson's ability to keep the 
guys on track without going off the rails. Which is what makes this show 
authentic and pure comedy. 

There are plenty of times Barkley and O'Neal are two big kids in school 
who distract others with jokes. Roasting each other or a particular player 
who fails to perform at a high level. Going back and forth about "rings" 
and the long running joke of San Antonio having as Chuck says "big ol 
women!" You see, Barkley isn't one to attempt taming because that's 
who he is. Unapologetic and unfiltered, while laughing at himself. 

This show can make anyone laugh and understand basketball; even for 
the novice fan who may not be invested. "Inside the NBA" has won 
multiple awards for their show and everyone can feel welcomed. The 
panel is men who enjoy working together and make you feel like family. 
There's no "corporate" whatsoever with them; unlike other sports shows
on national television.

ESPN rolled the dice, listened to fans to not change anything with a
sensational show. First two nights were a success and now likely taking
over the ratings for any show on the network. They'll appear for multiple
games throughout the 2026 season. If you're an NBA fan, let the funnies
permeate your viewing. To make it bittersweet, they'll cover their first
NBA Finals as well! I can only imagine all the funnies between Shaq and
Chuck roasting each other over "rings." If you're a casual and novice
fan, it's going to be filled with a lot of memorable laughs and dialogues.