The band is back together, even though they never really parted. <\/p>\n
Departed? Sure. The crew that comprised \u201cInside the NBA<\/a>\u201d moved from TNT when the cable network lost its NBA broadcast rights<\/a> to ESPN, NBC and Amazon after last season.<\/p>\n But the ensemble that somehow is greater than the sum of its star-studded parts continues \u2014 albeit now under the title \u201cNBA Tip-Off.\u201d <\/p>\n The familiar lineup of Charles Barkley, Kenny Smith, Shaquille O\u2019Neal and Ernie Johnson reunited for a pregame show ahead of ESPN\u2019s doubleheader Wednesday, with the Cleveland Cavaliers visiting the New York Knicks and San Antonio Spurs visiting the Dallas Mavericks. <\/p>\n And they poked fun at themselves and at the Worldwide Leader. Any fears that ESPN suits would tone down the rollicking, often hilarious dynamic the quartet brought to the last decade-plus of the 36-year \u201cInside the NBA\u201d run were quickly doused.<\/p>\n O\u2019Neal opened by admonishing Johnson for mentioning the NBA\u2018s opening games Tuesday night, which broadcast on NBC and the Peacock streaming service. <\/p>\n \u201cYou are supposed to say, this is TRON \u2014 the real opening night,\u201d O\u2019Neal said to laughs. \u201cDon\u2019t forget who we are, boys.\u201d<\/p>\n Johnson gently pushed back, replying, \u201cDon\u2019t be that way!\u201d to more laughs.<\/p>\n O\u2019Neal said Smith was almost late for the show, and Smith said, \u201cI haven\u2019t been that nervous since Game 7 of the NBA Finals.\u201d<\/p>\n Barkley, who had been the most vocal skeptic of leaving TNT for ESPN, seconded that sentiment, saying \u201cI was nervous all day.\u201d But before he could continue in a more serious vein, Johnson interrupted and clips were shown of Barkley expressing doubts about ESPN on the \u201cDan Patrick Show\u201d and other outlets. <\/p>\n More laughs ensued, although Barkley did his best to toe the company line, saying, \u201cI\u2019m not gonna lie. Every person who ever touched a ball wanted to be on ESPN. They are the greatest sports network ever. And to be working with these guys is an honor and a privilege.\u201d<\/p>\n Johnson echoed Barkley, saying, \u201cIt is a dream come true,\u201d and asked Smith if he felt the same way. Smith sighed and replied, \u201cI will answer yes, but do you all want a napkin for all that kissing up?\u201d<\/p>\n The laughs continued when a clip of Barkley earlier expressing worry about the workload at ESPN was followed by a graphic that displayed his Thursday work \u201cschedule,\u201d which included appearances every hour of the day, including during broadcasts of World Axe Throwing League and the American Cornhole League.<\/p>\n Basketball analysis did eventually follow the jokes and jabs, with O\u2019Neal making a somewhat-bold prediction regarding oft-injured former Lakers big man Anthony Davis, who now plays in Dallas: \u201cIf A.D. plays 65 games, the Dallas Mavericks will be in the Western Conference finals.\u201d<\/p>\n