Oh, how we’ve missed you, Inside the NBA. Now that the NBA season is back in it’s “rebooted” format, all-Orlando, no fans, it’s been a welcome pleasure to see Shaq, Charles, Ernie and Kenny the Jet back on set. Socially distanced, of course, and with plexiglass paneling between them for safe measure. Yet that hasn’t stopped the renewed exchanges between Shaq and Sir Charles. (Almost) all is right with the world again!
The two NBA legends – separated by the new, wider announcer’s table, went at it again this week while talking about an important game between the Brooklyn Nets and the Portland Trail Blazers. Shaq not-too-subtly reminded Barkley of his own championship experience to back up and support his insights into the game.
“First of all, I speak from not (just) being a great defensive player but having championship experience. I know what the hell I’m talking about” O’Neal told Barkley.
True enough. After all, Shaq is a 4-time NBA Champion and a 3-time NBA All-Defensive Second Team member. For the night in question, Shaq was talking about how the supporting cast on any team needs to step up (come the end of the season) and support the big-name stars.
For his own experience, O’Neal talked about his time with the Lakers, and also with the Miami Heat, pointing out excellent role players around him such as Robert Horry and James Posey. Of course Barkley would have none of it (at least in front of the TV cameras) and pulled out one of his go-to arguments when talking about Shaq’s multiple championship runs.
“Don’t forget about Kobe and Dwyane Wade carrying your fat a**.” Barkley said.
Of course this isn’t the first time Sir Charles has used that kind of response on his Inside the NBA co-anchor. He said the same thing back in 2018 when he and Shaq were arguing about Dwane Casey and former Toronto Raptors guard DeMar Derozan. Shaq’s most-excellent response at the time: “Google me, Chuck.”
There’s little doubt that our man Shaq will always have the upper hand in these kinds of “discussions.” After all, he was named the NBA Finals MVP in three of his four finals appearances. Equally certain, this probably won’t ever stop Sir Charles shooting his shot and poking at the fellow big guy every chance he gets.
This Shaq-Chuck relationship… It really is the gift that keeps on giving!
