NBA fans have been under major stress lately. Their beloved show, Inside the NBA, seems to be nearing an end. The media rights deal and the statements of the foursome, not to mention the disappearances of Shaquille O’Neal, have all proved to be too much for their fans around the world. While they were getting ready to accept the possible reality, Charles Barkley came forward with quite the announcement.

After Game 4 of the NBA Finals, Chuck made an appearance on the NBATV to let everybody know that he would be putting an end to his broadcasting career after the 2024-25 season. The gasp was, no doubt, unanimous and loud. But there were still a few voices who believed it wasn’t the case.

And the loudest among them was no doubt ESPN’s favorite, Stephen A. Smith. In the latest episode of The Stephen A. Smith Show, the veteran analyst stated a few facts as to why he thinks Barkley’s retirement announcement couldn’t be true. “I just think he’s p****d off at the way colleagues at TNT are being thrown out to pasture in [front of] his eyes. And he’d rather walk away than work for somebody else while they find themselves looking for a job because he feels that sick about it!” Smith states emphatically.

That’s not all, though. Stephen A. brings our attention to another aspect that Charles Barkley said in his retirement announcement. That of ‘Sir Charles’ passing his baton to either Jamal Crawford or Vince Carter. Smith, however, keeps the former 10x All-Star in check.

Stephen A. affirms that Charles Barkley does not have the power to choose his successor

“Barkley ain’t making that call,” the 56-year-old said in a matter of fact tone. “I can assure you that Charles Barkley is not going to decide who his successor is in that particular seat that he sits in. It’s not going to happen,” he reiterated. Well, technically, yes, the chances of something like that happening is rare.

After all, the media is one of the most profitable businesses. So, naturally, the deciding authorities will only choose ones who have a flair for it. A natural talent. An entertainer. It is one of the reasons why Stephen A. Smith is so popular. It is also the reason why the ‘Chuckster’ is sought out by other networks.

In fact, the veteran podcaster says it best. “His voice is too powerful. It’s too influential, too enjoyable, and he loves the game of basketball too much.” 

That is not to say that Carter or Crawford lacks the necessary skills to have a broadcasting career. It’s the total opposite! The former Raptors guard serves as a basketball analyst for YES Network. Alternatively, he is also a Studio Analyst for NBA on TNT and was associated with ESPN, as well. As for ‘J-Crossover,’ he has been working as a commentator for the NBA League Pass since 2021.

But if we are looking for something closer to home, TNT hired the 3x Sixth Man of the Year to replace Dwyane Wade for its Tuesday Night. They were quite impressed with Crawford that he joined Kevin Harlan and Reggie Miller, calling games for the playoffs. While Charles Barkley’s words might carry weight, the network will go with who they believe will bring in viewership. After all, they have a business to run.

 But before you go, be sure to check this video of Leonardo Armato’s take on Caitlin Clark vs Angel Reese.

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