Inside the NBA is a show that has thrived off showcasing the close bond between the stars of their show. Admittedly, the show is sometimes dragged to the finish line by Shaquille O’Neal and Charles Barkley. However, their genuine friendship with Kenny Smith and Ernie Johnson has resulted in some brilliant television. That said, during Smith’s recent podcast appearance, it is that bond of theirs that came right back to bite them, On SiriusXM radio, the TNT analyst decided to spill the beans on some intimate details of O’Neal and Barkley’s life. Peculiarly enough, it is their Facetime habits that have caught the most attention.
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TNT’s ‘Inside the NBA’ is not your average basketball analysis show. By placing its emphasis on fun, not only did it become by far the most unique show on sports television, but it has continued to be a raging success during its time on the air. It has even won a whopping 17 Emmy awards, all by doing nothing more than focus on all the analysts’ relationships with each other.
Kenny Smith exposes Shaquille O’Neal and Charles Barkley for their Facetime habits
The cast of Inside the NBA often Facetime each other, especially when they are away from work. And as Kenny Smith recently explained during his appearance on SiriusXM radio, when they do it, interesting quirks break to the surface. Here is what he said, as seen in the tweet by SiriusXM NBA Radio.
“Shaq always Facetimes you. But he could be anywhere while he is Facetiming. So, think of the weirdest place that you do not want to see someone. The bathroom. He will (be there, saying) ‘What are you doing?’ No, what are *you* doing?!
Charles is… he just cusses you out every time. And then he gets to the point. He’s just going to be like ‘Hey *unintelligible cusses*, oh by the way, happy birthday!’ like what are you talking about ?!”
Admittedly, it is nice to know that these individuals are such close friends on and off the show. Especially when it results in stories as hilarious as this one. Having been together for 12 years now since Shaq joined the set in 2011 after retiring a Celtic, it’s no surprise that their chemistry on screen is a derivative of them being good friends off screen.
Inside the NBA’s age-old tradition
The race to the big board is not for the faint of heart on Inside the NBA. Kenny Smith often takes on any challenger in a short sprint to it. And given the fitness of the former Rockets man, he doesn’t lose very often. However, miracles do happen sometimes.
On a recent occasion, Charles Barkley managed to challenge his inner Usain Bolt, using his entire lower body to thunder past ‘The Jet’. A sight to behold you can witness here.
