TNT’s Inside the NBA Turns “Unwatchable” As Draymond Green, Charles Barkley & NBA Legend’s Heated Debate Irks Fans

TNT’s Inside the NBA was a full house tonight. The usual foursome of Shaquille O’Neal, Ernie Johnson, Charles Barkley, and Kenny Smith were in attendance. In addition, the increasingly familiar and suited-up Draymond Green and Reggie Miller joined the fray. For a fray, it was!

Miller had the good grace to ask who these legends believed to be the best backcourt duo in NBA history. And that was the spark. Heated debates followed, with Green’s voice practically drowning the rest. The Warriors veteran forward was adamant in his claim that Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson were, hands down, the best backcourt pair.

Of course, that naturally led to a lot of back and forth because no one at that table was lacking in opinions. As Reggie Miller and Charles Barkley started a debate of their own, Green didn’t stop making his case. Unfortunately, though, because of the chaos, the viewers didn’t find it as entertaining as the usual debates the Inside crew has. In fact, one individual commented, “get Draymond off; so unwatchable.”

With the whole media rights deal looming like a dark cloud over the fan-favorite show, many have been waiting for the hammer to drop. Add Shaquille O’Neal’s regular absences from the table and Barkley’s comments about their future, which made it seem like a done deal. However, much like how they argue about almost everything on the show, the two former players had differing opinions on the future of Inside the NBA, too!

In an ESPN interview, Barkley said, “I don’t think there’s a way they can keep us together, to be honest.” While he was certain that TNT is in a bidding war against NBC, Shaq told Daily Mail, “I don’t know [about the show’s future], but hopefully [Warner Bros. Discovery CEO] David Zaslav will take care of business. I’m sure he will. I think we’re in a great spot right now.” This, coupled with Shaq’s absences, has increased speculation about the show’s future. It was during this period that Green became pretty much a regular face on Inside the NBA.

In fact, during Game 5 of the Cavaliers vs Celtics series, O’Neal left the show in the post-game session. And they made Dray take Shaq’s place after the Lakers legend’s sudden disappearance. It isn’t always easy to accept change. The four-member Inside group has become a household name, and they have created a space that is uniquely theirs. So seeing a newcomer disrupting that whole chemistry in what could very well be their last dance isn’t something fans are taking kindly to.

Fans clamor to get the “insufferable” Draymond Green “off the air”

This isn’t Draymond’s first rodeo. Although not as frequent as now, the 34-year-old has appeared on live TV in the past. They have been good experiences, too. Many went as far as to say that Green would have a job ready when he retired from professional basketball. That’s how impressed they were with his presence on TV. Unfortunately, that doesn’t seem to be the case now.

One fan of the NBA on TNT show tweeted, “Hey @NBAonTNT, Draymond Green is insufferable. I would hate to see Inside the NBA go at the end of the season, but if it means you’ll stop giving him a platform to yap, then good riddance.” The wide reach of the Inside show is remarkable. The cheerful banter, easy conversations, and hilarious Shaq-Chuck arguments have got them a large fanbase. Yet, the presence of Draymond Green seems to put a damper on it all.

Another fan has a similar take. “Draymond Green is ruining the show. Get him off the air.” Well, there isn’t much to be done about fans posting their opinions. It’s true that Green is extremely vocal with his opinions. It was something the Dubs were grateful for. He was the floor general and the vocal leader the team needed. However, it wasn’t something fans of this show found pleasing.

Tweets of similar tone are everywhere on X, with many inching towards the offensive side. But these fans’ love for Inside the NBA is out of this world. Nonetheless, they can’t help but call out DrayMagic for his untimely interruption. “Inside the NBA is so good, and yet they want to ruin our last go around with it by constantly bringing in Draymond Green. Dude is straight-up dog water.”

Another individual said, “I’m really sad Inside The NBA show is ending…but glad I don’t have to see Draymond Green on TV anymore. He is the worst. My most disliked athlete ever.” See what we mean? Interestingly, though, another notable incident happened, courtesy of the Minnesota crowd. Usually, ‘Sir Charles’ is at the receiving end of such a welcome. This time, Draymond Green garnered the Wolves fans’ attention. “Draymond sucks” chants in Minnesota.”

There is no doubt that this was in retaliation for the Rudy Gobert chokehold issue. The fatal moment that changed Green’s fate happened with Gobert. Yes, the Nurkic smack was the final nail. But when Green wrapped his arm around the 7-foot Frenchman’s throat, refusing to let go in the tense few moments, it had set the wheels in motion. Taking into consideration his history of on-court violence, there was no last chance. Clearly, the TWolves fans are still salty about the incident.

Nonetheless, one of the foremost subjects in our mind is the future of the Inside the NBA crew. While many are sure they will be disbanded, Shaq’s confidante and ex-agent, Leonard Armato, thinks otherwise. To know more about his comments, watch this video.