Latest news with #NBAonTNT
Yahoo
08-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Shaquille O'Neal Doesn't Hold Back on Jayson Tatum's Hall of Fame Chances
Shaquille O'Neal Doesn't Hold Back on Jayson Tatum's Hall of Fame Chances originally appeared on Athlon Sports. Shaquille O'Neal has played a major role within the NBA for over 30 years, building one of the most decorated resumes of all time as a player and later becoming a well-liked TV personality during his tenure with the "NBA on TNT" cast. Advertisement In his 19-year playing career, O'Neal won four championships, an MVP Award, and sits among the top ten all-time scoring leaders. Since stepping off the court, he's begun hosting "The Big Podcast" alongside his "NBA on TNT" partner Adam Lefkoe. On Thursday's episode, Lefkoe claimed Boston Celtics star Jayson Tatum's resume is enough for a Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame induction, right now, and Shaq didn't hold back. NBA analyst Shaquille O'Neal and Boston Celtics star Jayson Tatum.© Cary Edmondson-Imagn Images | © John Jones-Imagn Images When talking to Lefkoe, Shaq said, "You (expletive) just throwing people in there now," clearly thinking Tatum's resume is not worthy. 'You ever see that movie 'Ocean's Thirteen?' I'm going to break into the Hall of Fame and take all of my (expletive) out,' O'Neal said. You (expletive) just throwing people in there now." Advertisement Shaq went on to say he thinks there are two types of Hall of Fames: a "bad" one and a "basketball" one. "Isiah Thomas said it the best one day, he said there's two Hall of Fames," Shaq added. "There's a bad (expletive) Hall of Fame and there's a basketball Hall of Fame." At only 27 years of age, Tatum has racked up six All-Star appearances, five All-NBA selections and an NBA championship. With high expectations joining a legendary organization like the Celtics, the 2017 third-overall pick had all the pressure in the world to perform. According to Shaq, these accolades, combined with career averages of 23.6 points, 7.3 rebounds and 3.8 assists per game (via ESPN), may not be enough to make it into the Hall of Fame right now, but he didn't rule it out when it's all said and done. Advertisement Related: NBA Legend Had One Word for Son Dylan Harper's Possible Teams This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 5, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
04-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Charles Barkley Names Greatest Player in NBA History Without Hesitation
Charles Barkley Names Greatest Player in NBA History Without Hesitation originally appeared on Athlon Sports. Charles Barkley has had a remarkable Hall of Fame NBA career, and he's carried that success over into sports media as an analyst for TNT, which over the weekend wrapped up its final NBA on TNT episode, featuring the core four of Shaquille O'Neal, Ernie Johnson, Kenny Smith, and Barkley himself. Advertisement On Monday, he appeared on the "Dan Patrick Show," and while much of the interview focused on his time with TNT—which spanned 24 years—and what the future holds as the four of them transition to ESPN for the next NBA season, it also featured a few stories. One story Barkley highlighted was about the time he decided to wear Michael Jordan's sneakers in an NBA game prior to Jordan's retirement, as a tribute to his career. The moment sparked a strong reaction from Barkley, who declared Jordan the greatest basketball player ever—without hesitation—while humorously pointing out how heavy the shoes were.. "I put his shoes on one game... he definitely the greatest damn basketball player ever. Damn. Those were the heaviest things I've ever played in my life," Barkley said. "I played in those Air Jordans one game, and it was like I had bricks on my feet. I played in them one game as a tribute to him. I said, 'You really are the damn GOAT. You play in these bricks.'" Barkley has often paid his fair share of respect to the greats who have come through the game—including LeBron James, the other player frequently debated as the greatest of all time alongside Michael Jordan. However, Barkley spent a long portion of his career competing against Jordan, and also briefly as teammates on Team USA. Advertisement Jordan and Barkley faced off a total of 55 times during their careers—39 of those matchups came in the regular season, while the other 16 took place in the playoffs. TNT NBA analyst Charles Jairaj-Imagn Images Barkley actually had more success against Jordan than most players did, winning 24 of those 55 head-to-head games. That said, Jordan got the better of him when it mattered most—defeating Barkley and the Phoenix Suns in the 1993 NBA Finals. They never met in the playoffs again, and Barkley eventually retired in 2000. Related: Wayne Gretzky Names Greatest NBA Player of All Time Without Hesitation This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 3, 2025, where it first appeared.
New York Post
02-06-2025
- Entertainment
- New York Post
Craig Sager's wife posts touching tribute after NBA on TNT finale
Stacy Sager, the wife of the late broadcasting legend Craig Sager, posted a tribute to her husband while marking the end of an era after the NBA on TNT concluded its run following the Knicks' loss to the Pacers in Game 6 the Eastern Conference finals on Saturday night. Stacy Sager, who married Craig in 2003, posted a picture to Instagram of all the mic flags Craig had collected over the course of his career in a tribute and reminder of the storied career Craig had, which included stints at TBS, TNT and CNN. 3 Beloved NBA Broadcaster Craig Sager, known for his outlandish suits, has died aged 65 after a long fought battle with cancer in 2016. Ronald Martinez The photo featured mic flags from various networks and decades, taking up a giant shelf. 'Fairwell (sic) to an epic era on @nbaontnt @tntsportsus Craig was a sentimental collector of all things sports starting with every 'flag mic' from every event he covered for over 30 years of interviewing legends,' Stacy Sager wrote. 'Thank you to the Turner family for all the memories.' Craig Sager is of course remembered best for his time with the 'NBA on TNT' while wearing his beloved flashy suits during broadcasts. He died in 2016 at the age of 65 after being diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia in 2014. 3 Craig Sager accepts the Jimmy V Award for Perseverance onstage during the 2016 ESPYS at Microsoft Theater on July 13, 2016. Getty Images 3 Stacy Sager is pictured. stacy 'Craig was as vital to the NBA as the players and coaches. A true original and an essential voice on Turner Sports' NBA coverage for 26 seasons, Craig chronicled some of the most memorable moments in league history and was a ubiquitous presence with his splashy suits and equally colorful personality,' NBA commissioner Adam Silver said at the time of his death. Basketball fans enjoyed Sager's tribute online, enthusiastically reacting to the post. 'That is so cool – what a great way to remember Craig and his career,' one person wrote on X. 'That is awesome. He is a legend and is missed,' another wrote. 'Craig was the best man,' a third person chimed in.
New York Times
01-06-2025
- Business
- New York Times
‘Inside the NBA' on TNT ends with Eastern Conference finals, but its legacy lives on
The NBA on TNT is no more. Although, thanks to the NBA's latest television rights deal, 'Inside the NBA' will continue on ESPN next season, the show's longtime relationship with TNT is over after the Indiana Pacers won the Eastern Conference finals with a 125-108 win over the New York Knicks in Game 6. Advertisement For 35 years, 'Inside the NBA' on TNT was a basketball mainstay for fans, relying on the smooth workings of host Ernie Johnson (host since 1990) to navigate the observations — and personalities — of analysts Kenny Smith (joined in 1998), Charles Barkley (2000) and Shaquille O'Neal (2011). The show collected 21 Sports Emmys over that time and, in 2020, was honored by the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame with the Curt Gowdy Media Award, making it the first NBA telecast to earn the honor. 'Our hearts are full of gratitude, not sadness, but gratitude and happiness for what has been,' Kevin Harlan said in his final 'Inside the NBA' on TNT sign-off message. 'It has been an honor. It has been a privilege, and I hope you all have enjoyed it as much as we have.' Kevin Harlan, @ReggieMillerTNT, Stan Van Gundy and @ALaForce sign off from #NBAonTNT for the last time ❤️ — NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) June 1, 2025 After contentious contract negotiations that jeopardized the future of 'Inside the NBA,' given that TNT is not part of the NBA's new 11-year, $76 billion media rights agreement, ESPN reached a landmark licensing deal to broadcast the show on Disney properties. 'Personally and professionally, I've been so elevated by my teammates. For everyone that set the stage before us, and for everyone that will take the torch now, thank you,' Allie LaForce said in her final sign-off message. 'The great thing about live television is that it does live forever, so we will live forever and so will the memories I have with you (all).' GO DEEPER With landmark 'Inside the NBA' trade, ESPN and boss Jimmy Pitaro win big How the ESPN deal will affect the classic show remains to be seen. Part of its appeal is not always knowing what to expect — whether that varies by game, segment or point in conversation. Like most sports shows, there are arguments, but no cast of talent can maintain the energy of well-bonded uncles who just want to discuss basketball and crack a few jokes. The formula has clearly worked, right? The story of the greatest players in NBA history. In 100 riveting profiles, top basketball writers justify their selections and uncover the history of the NBA in the process. The story of the greatest players in NBA history. Of course, that isn't to say the show's approach is perfect. Some takes age poorly. On occasion, Barkley and O'Neal may mispronounce someone's name or proudly tout their lack of interest in watching bad teams. If you're into analytics-driven content, 'Inside the NBA' is probably not for you. But the show works, and its conclusion from TNT's airwaves closes an impactful chapter in basketball storytelling, no matter your stance on a given hoops take. Advertisement 'Man, I can't believe we get paid to watch basketball,' Barkley said during the show's pregame coverage of Game 5 between the Pacers and Knicks. 'We're the luckiest people in the world — I'm sorry, other than the players.' As 'Inside the NBA' drew closer to parting from Turner Sports, which is home to an incredibly talented production team that has supported the show from Atlanta, there were few spared sentiments from those who have enjoyed its peak moments over the years, including our own Richard Deitsch's masterful profile on the show's legacy. GO DEEPER As 'NBA on TNT' prepares for its finale, an appreciation for its legacy and contribution 'Ernie, can I say something? Yes, it is the end of 'Inside the NBA' on TNT, but it is a new beginning for us,' O'Neal said during the Game 5 coverage. 'I'm glad we're still together on whatever network we go to. And whatever network we're coming to, we're bringing the pain, just letting you know right now. I know everybody's sad. The show is still here, baby. 'You can never kill the Four Horseman. We coming. We coming to take spots. We coming to kick a—. We coming to take names. And we're doing it our way. All that sadness about the old show? We're coming with a brand new show, and we don't care who in our way.' GO DEEPER My front row seat on 'Inside the NBA,' the greatest studio show in sports TV history As O'Neal continued, Smith echoed sentiments about taking names before Barkley asked whether he could 'be Ric Flair.' With The Big Diesel's confirmation, the trio shouted, 'WE DEM BOYZ!' as tip-off neared. 'We coming. Stop the tears,' O'Neal concluded. It's understandable that so much of the focus around the end of TNT's NBA coverage has revolved around its signature show, 'Inside the NBA.' No studio show has had more impact on its sport and I've argued that during its run; it has been as significant to the growth of the NBA as much as any member of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. Advertisement But watching Indiana's 125-108 win over New York on Saturday night, it's worth a moment to pay homage to TNT's NBA game coverage, which has consistently been excellent over its three decade plus run. It made Thursday nights feel big and close shop with a legacy that includes four lead voices — Marv Albert, Ian Eagle, Harlan and Dick Stockton — who all have legitimate credentials to be tagged as the greatest NBA gamecaller of all-time. One of those game callers — Harlan — was on the final call with analysts Reggie Miller and Stan Van Gundy. (Let the record show the last basket called on TNT Sports was a 3-pointer by Landry Shamet.) He treated his last broadcast as he always did — with professionalism and a big voice for the moments that mattered. Harlan paid tribute to all the voices that worked with him (and came before him) as they closed out an extended version of the game broadcast. (It was nice to see The Athletic's David Aldridge included in that tribute.) He and Eagle will call games next season Amazon Prime Video, who have a big job to match the NBA quality of Turner Sports. NBA viewers will of course move on. Hell, we now live in a world where Netflix airs NFL games on Christmas. But we note here one of the great runs in sports television. Thanks for the memories, TNT. — Richard Deitsch, sports media writer
New York Post
30-05-2025
- Entertainment
- New York Post
Celebs on celebrity row at MSG for Game 5 of Knicks-Pacers Eastern Conference finals
The hottest stars had prime real estate on celebrity row at Madison Square Garden for Game 5 of the Knicks-Pacers Eastern Conference finals on Thursday night. The stars were on hand to watch the home team's quest to keep their season alive and bounce back from a 3-1 series hole. Knicks superfans Timothée Chalamet, Ben Stiller, Spike Lee and Tracy Morgan were all courtside to support them for what many have said is the biggest game in team history. Advertisement 3 Spike Lee sitting courtside at Madison Square Garden for Game 5 of the Knicks-Pacers Eastern Conference finals on May 29, 2025. Instagram/New York Post Sports Actress Maude Apatow was in the building. During the 'NBA on TNT' pregame show, Lee, who sported an orange and blue striped suit, said, 'I would give up an Academy Award. Oscar, for the Knicks to win a Championship.' Charles Barkley replied, 'Well you're gonna keep 'em!' referring to director's two Oscar awards. Advertisement 3 Patrick Ewing arrives at Madison Square Garden for Game 5 of the Knicks-Pacers Eastern Conference finals on May 29, 2025. Instagram/New York Post Sports Knicks alum Patrick Ewing took in the action, as he was spotted walking to his court side seat. There has been no shortage of star power throughout the Eastern Conference finals in both New York and Indiana. Advertisement Chalamet, Stiller, and Lee made the trip to Indianapolis, where the Pacers beat the Knicks 130-121 on Tuesday night. However, there isn't an NBA arena that has a celebrity row quite like the Knicks, especially during the playoffs. 3 Timothee Chalamet before Game 5 of the Knicks-Pacers Eastern Conference finals on May 29, 2025. Instagram/Timothee Chalamet Tickets aren't available for purchase because it's invite only. Advertisement The coveted courtside seats are typically reserved for A-listers and Knicks diehards, former Knicks PR chief and media consultant Joe Favorito told The Post. The attention around the celebrity presence tends be heightened in New York partly because of the history of celebrity row and the legacy of The Garden. Others aren't concentrated on the celebs in the building, including Boomer Esiason. On his radio show Tuesday morning, Esiason explained that the Knicks play better on the road than they do at home because they 'hate' playing in front of the famous court side crowd. 'I think they're just sick and tired of all the goddamn celebrities at home,' he said. 'They hate playing in front of these people, and they'd just rather get away from all of that and go play. Go play defense and figure out a way to win on the road. There's something to be said about that. When you go on the road, it's you and your teammates. That's it.' The Knicks will have the home crowd rallying behind in them in a do-or-die Game 5 of the Eastern Conference finals for them. Advertisement The Pacers have two-time All-Star point guard Tyrese Haliburton, who's been clutch in closing moments throughout the series. The winner will face the Western Conference champion Thunder in the 2025 NBA Finals, beginning Thursday, June 5 in Oklahoma City, and airing on ABC.
