There's no doubt that hosts TNT's “Inside the NBA” hosts Shaquille O'Neal, Kenny Smith, Charles Barkley, and Ernie Johnson made the final broadcast of the beloved program a memorable one as the Indiana Pacers beat the New York Knicks on Saturday in Game 6 125-108. Along the way, O'Neal didn't hold back on the broadcast's move to ESPN, as he dropped an F-bomb along with Smith when discussing their transition to their new network.

O'Neal would proclaim that the team is not coming to mess around, and when realizing it's the last show for the network, he dropped the actual F-word. The same sentiments would be echoed by Smith.

“And to that new network we’re coming to, we're not coming to F around. Since it’s the last show, [I’ll] say it, we’re not coming to f*** around,” O'Neal said. “We're kicking a**, we're taking names, and we're taking over. Ok? I love you guys, I appreciate you guys, but hey, and we're coming over to take over that next network too.”

As for Barkley, he took a less fired-up approach, saying that it will be an “honor and a privilege” to work for ESPN.

“To ESPN, it's gonna be an honor and a privilege to work for you guys. You guys are the No. 1 sports network in history. I’m excited for it, you guys have some tremendous talents over there. I’m looking forward to co-working with those guys.

Article Continues Below
More NBA News
NBA news: Jeff Teague claims Tom Thibodeau 'doesn't really coach you'
NBA news: Jeff Teague claims Tom Thibodeau ‘doesn’t really coach you’Julian Ojeda ·
Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton (0) passes the ball while Oklahoma City Thunder forward Chet Holmgren (7) defends in the first half at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
Tyrese Haliburton, Chet Holmgren’s trainer destroys Brandon JenningsMalik Brown ·
NBA commissioner Adam Silver speaks in a press conference during All Star Saturday Night ahead of the 2025 NBA All Star Game at Chase Center.
NBA’s Adam Silver confirms Team USA vs. Team World All-Star Game formatBrett Siegel ·
Doris Burke, who is part of ESPN's NBA commentating team with Mike Breen and Richard Jefferson, at Lakers-Mavericks game.
NBA rumors: Doris Burke’s ESPN role next to Mike Breen, Richard Jefferson in questionAndrew Korpan ·
Lakers legends Shaq and Kobe Bryant laughing
Shaq ranks his top 10 NBA players of all-timeJedd Pagaduan ·
Former NBA player Kendrick Perkins looks on during the fourth quarter between the Houston Rockets and the Oklahoma City Thunder. in a semifinal of the 2024 Emirates NBA Cup.
Kendrick Perkins ends Charles Barkley feud ahead of move to ESPNRandall Barnes ·

Shaquille O'Neal, Kenny Smith set for “new beginning” with ESPN

Shaquille O'Neal looks on before the game between the Boston Celtics and the Dallas Mavericks in game one of the 2024 NBA Finals at TD Garden.
David Butler II-Imagn Images

O'Neal has been a staple of the TNT NBA broadcasts since joining the team back in 2011, and fans will remember the countless hilarious, insightful, and memorable moments from his work with the network. On the broadcast, he would also issue a message on how it's a “new beginning” for the rest of the team moving to ESPN.

“There is an old saying that when something passes away, something is reborn. And yes, it is the ending of Inside the NBA on TNT,” O'Neal said. “But it is a new beginning for us. 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 is sad, ‘Oh, it isn’t gonna be the same show.’ The show is still here, baby. You can never kill the four horsemen.”

It remains to be seen where the “Inside the NBA” crew will debut as they transition to ESPN.