TNT has landed Shaquille O’Neal as an NBA studio analyst. He will be joining the popular studio show, “Inside the NBA,” alongside host Ernie Johnson and analysts Kenny Smith and Charles Barkley. In addition, he will be a key contributor to NBA TV and NBA.com, providing analysis and commentary throughout the regular season, as well as for the NBA Finals, All-Star weekend and NBA Draft.
The deal also allows O’Neal to work with TNT Entertainment to develop non-sports related programming that includes the possibility of even a cartoon series. This deal gives him a package that no other network could match.
O’Neal spoke during a conference call on Thursday:
O’Neal on being courted by other networks » I was very blessed to have many people come after me. Out of my respect for everybody, I didn’t want to make it a this and that-type of war. I made my decision very quickly and very professionally. I thought TNT and Turner was the place for me, and I’m going to have fun doing it.
O’Neal on if he watched TNT’s “Inside the NBA” during his playing days » I did watch the show. It was one of my favorite shows. As a matter of fact, I watched it after every game. The interaction between [Ernie Johnson, Kenny Smith and Charles Barkley] was very entertaining and very fun, and I’m honored to be able to sit next to those guys.
O’Neal on Kenny Smith naming him “The Big Analytical” » I like that one. Good job, Kenny. That’s pretty good.
One thing that has not yet been decided is whether or not O’Neal will be part of TNT’s coverage of the NCAA tournament. He is a huge college hoops fan so don’t be surprised if he shows up on the CBS/TNT coverage.
One thing we know that O’Neal won’t be doing is bringing back his movie character Shazam. He was quick to say, “That genie will stay in the bottle.”
Examiner columnist Jim Williams is a seven-time Emmy Award-winning TV producer, director and writer. Check out his blog, Watch this!
