The fact that NBA is back is welcome news to all the networks that cover the league, but the guys at TNT are especially excited about getting started. Far and away the most entertaining pre and postgame shows on TV, TNT’s “NBA Tip-Off” and “Inside the NBA” return with a new cast member. Shaquille O’Neal will be joining host Ernie Johnson and analysts Charles Barkley and Kenny Smith. The group will make their debut Christmas at 11 a.m. on TNT prior to the Celtics-Knicks game at noon.
Johnson discusses what to expect from the show this season.
What does Shaq add to the TNT team?
Johnson » “He will be a great addition to the gang. Shaq knows the show, and he understands that you don’t wait to be called on. If you have something to say, feel free to interrupt Charles or Kenny if you disagree. Shaq is media savvy and is a very insightful guy who will defiantly get his point across. The interaction between he and Charles will be great, it won’t be forced or staged, believe me it will be real and it will be entertaining.”
What’s the secret to the show’s success?
Johnson » “The real beauty of the show is the lack of predictability. We have production meetings but really the comments that people talk about the next morning more often than not come from something that happens during one of the games we are watching. Kenny and Charles feed off what they see on the court that either impresses them or drives them crazy. But without the freedom we have from the Turner Sports brass to react and give our honest and sometimes controversial opinions, the show would not be such a success.”
What’s it like to be the host?
Johnson » “I am the point guard. My job is to make sure Kenny, Charles and Shaq all have the time to make their points. If someone is going too long, I will cut them off and move along so that the conversation keeps rolling. That way everyone has a chance to be heard. But as the host, I am most proud of the fact that we have a show that can be watched by the players in the NBA as well as the casual fan. Plus doing PGA golf and MLB baseball, I also know players from other sports watch the show.”
Examiner columnist Jim Williams is a seven-time Emmy Award-winning TV producer, director and writer. Check out his blog, Watch this!
