There is no telling how long it will be before we see the NBA games back on television as labor issues drag on. But a new series on NBA TV of specials on Tuesday nights will help get the fans through the tough times. NBA TV will begin a six-part series titled “Open Court” on Tuesday night at 9 p.m. The show is set up as a round-table discussion led by the most entertaining studio crew in the business, featuring host Ernie Johnson along with his partners Charles Barkley, Steve Kerr, Reggie Miller, Kenny Smith, Steve Smith, Chris Webber and the newest member of the TNT studio team, Shaquille O’Neal.
Smith discussed what to expect on “Open Court.”
How does the show work?
Smith » Well, the topic of the first show is tallest tales of the NBA. Now you can only imagine with our group how this topic will be discussed. We each will offer up a story that we either heard or were a part of during our time in the NBA. Then the round table either adds to it or breaks it down as an urban myth.”
Tell me about the round table?
Smith » “We all love to talk, to tell stories and to have friendly disagreements. What makes these shows entertaining to the fans is that Charles, Shaq, Kenny and all of us feel free to speak our mind. It may not be politically correct or what some fans may not want to hear, but we are always honest. The beauty of doing this show, like all the projects we do for Turner Sports, is we are never told what to say. We are free to speak our minds and I think that is why fans enjoy our shows.”
What are your thoughts about the NBA lockout?
Smith » “Obviously, I was a player in the league so I have a strong view on the issues from a player’s standpoint. At the same time, after I retired I got a far better understanding of the owner’s perspective and what it takes to run an NBA franchise. My hope is that we can get a fair resolution to this problem as soon as possible. Fans want to see the players on the court playing basketball. So until that time, we will be talking about basketball.SDRq
Examiner columnist Jim Williams is a seven-time Emmy Award-winning TV producer, director and writer. Check out his blog, Watch this!
