Shaquille O’Neal seems to settle in quite easily with a new network.
Just moments before Game 1 of the NBA Finals between the Pacers and Thunder, he made an appearance on ESPN’s “NBA Countdown.”
During the show, O’Neal brought laughter to the set with hosts Stephen A. Smith, Marika Andrews, Bob Myers, and Kendrick Perkins.
Sporting an ESPN microphone, O’Neal playfully teased Perkins, telling Smith he would “hold the microphone.”
“Here, take this,” O’Neal said. “I’m tired of Kendrick Perkins.”
Perkins quipped back, “Is this HR, man?” as O’Neal gave him a friendly jab during a warm hug.
This surprise appearance followed Smith’s earlier segment on NBA TV right before Game 1, where O’Neal cheerfully approached the courtside set.
“Stephen A. Smith, keep your hands to yourself,” O’Neal joked.
This marked O’Neal’s first stint with ESPN since “Inside the NBA” ended at TNT.
While Turner continues to produce the show, they’ve retained ESPN rights.
TNT’s “NBA Inside the NBA” wrapped up its 25-year run with the network after the Eastern Conference Finals.
“What a great run it has been, an honor, Chuck [Charles Barkley] I consider you family, but competition is still fierce,” O’Neal remarked. Even if the network changes, the spirit remains the same.”
“For [ESPN], we’re not going anywhere,” O’Neal emphasized.
Leading up to Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Finals, he expressed optimism about the network transition but mentioned that he and his co-hosts were eager to refresh the show.
“Regardless of the network, we’re bringing the energy. Just so you know, the show is still alive and kicking.”
“We know everyone misses the old show. But we’ve got something new. No one can stand in our way. We dominate and defend our name. The name might change, but we’re still here as a team.”
