Shaquille O’Neal and Charles Barkley Got Their Ultimate Compliment from Tom Brady in 2022: “Dysfunctional Thanksgiving Family Dinner”

Retired NFL legend legend Tom Brady made a surprising appearance on TNT’s Inside the NBA, back in May 2022. An Emmy-award-winning show, the long-running Inside the NBA is hosted by Ernie Johnson and has a star-studded cast of Charles Barkley, Kenny Smith, and Shaquille O’Neal. The three are known for their hilarious on-screen(and off-screen) chemistry. Their hilarious jokes and spontaneous banter amid breaking down NBA games have captured the attention of fans for a long time. Last year. they received a heartwarming compliment from NFL legend Tom Brady for the good work that they do.

O’Neal and Barkley’s presence ensures that there is never a shortage of entertainment on the show. Apart from being respected analysts, the two have hilarious personalities, which have led to Inside the NBA becoming the most loved show on basketball TV. Tom Brady seemed to agree, claiming that most people on television have tried to emulate what Shaq, Barkley, and Kenny have been doing.

Tom Brady gave a heartwarming compliment to Charles Barkley and Shaquille O’Neal

It seemed like Brady had been watching Inside the NBA before he actually appeared on the show. He is also known to be a long-term friend of Shaquille O’Neal, who is a big NFL fan.

Regardless, Brady claimed that he had already given the compliment to Shaq when the two were previously having dinner. However, Brady reiterated the kind words on live TV:

“Speaking of that, I love your guys’ show. I told Shaq when I had dinner with him a few weeks ago how great the show it is. The best camaraderie, I think everybody in television tries to emulate what you guys do, so keep it up. It’s like a very dysfunctional Thanksgiving family dinner. You guys are doing very well.”

Shaq and Chuck’s presence adds a sense of hilarity to the show. The two’s dysfunctional relationship leads to regular jokes and adds an extra layer that is completely independent of NBA analytics. Considering the insane success Inside the NBA has had, the formula seems to be working just fine.

Shaq and Chuck make the big bucks on TNT

Charles Barkley has been working with TNT since 2000. It was his relationship with Shaquille O’Neal which had initially led to the two sharing the screen.

While Barkley was previously on a $10 million per year contract, he is expected to undergo a huge pay rise starting from 2024-25. According to the NY Post, Chuck is set to be paid closer to $200 million in a 10-year upcoming deal.

At the same time, he also earns around $10 million per year before tax. O’Neal re-signed with TNT back in October 2022. Both former players have therefore received huge contracts from TNT which is also due to the constant success they have had on the show.