When we talk about Inside the NBA, most fans immediately think of Shaquille O’Neal and Charles Barkley’s hilarious banter, or Ernie Johnson keeping everything running smoothly. However, there’s one name that often flies under the radar but has been instrumental in shaping the show’s success: Tim Kiely. While the faces in front of the camera grab most of the spotlight, Kiely’s work behind the scenes made sure Inside the NBA became the beloved show it is today.

Kiely, who retired in 2023 after 27 years with TNT, had a massive impact on the network. As the executive producer, he helped take the show to the gold standard for sports studios, and the first step there would have been recruiting the other three essential pillars — apart from Ernie — of Inside the NBA: Shaq, Chuck, and Kenny Smith.

Naturally, he has worked closely with the crew since joining in 1995, and three decades in, the show boasts an impressive feat of 21 Sports Emmys. It also picked up the Curt Gowdy Transformative Media Award from the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2020.

But Kiely’s work and success aren’t limited to Inside the NBA.

After graduating with a bachelor’s degree in English from Columbia University, where he also lettered in football, Kiely had a few networks to add to his resume over the years. He worked as a coordinating producer at ESPN and started out covering everything from the Steelers to the Orange Bowl at WTAE-TV in Pittsburgh. MLB on TBS, NASCAR, and Wimbledon have been some others that have enjoyed Kiely’s involvement.

But Turner Sports sure took the hat, reaching new heights under him.

How Tim Kiely reeled in the crew

“I started in ’95,” Kiely said in an interview with Sports Media Watch in 2009. “Kenny was first, after, he was sort of on a temporary tryout,” recalling Kenny Smith’s initial tryout for the show. As per Kiely, Kenny wasn’t sure if he would continue with TV or return to basketball. But as Kiely noted, “he was great in the studio” and instantly brought a laid-back energy.

Barkley’s arrival two years later was another crucial point for the team. The Philadelphia 76ers star reportedly had other deals on the table. But what really pulled him in was, as Kiely states, “He thought we were having the most fun.” Chuck would hold the crew to the words. “It better be fun, boy, or I’m not doing it!” And we know the chemistry that came after.

The approach naturally became the heart of the show. More so with the team ditching the teleprompter. They aren’t afraid of it, Kiely admitted in a 2014 interview. “We will point out mistakes and make fun of them,” he said.

So, when Kiely stepped down in 2023, the entire crew took it to the heart.

Inside the NBA crew opened up on his retirement

After the Miami Heat’s thrilling Game 7 win over the Boston Celtics in last season’s Eastern Conference Finals, the Inside the NBA crew had a bit too much to swallow. Tim Kiely was stepping into retirement. Ernie Johnson, the first of the quartet, struggled to put his feelings into words as they honored Kiely during “Gone Fishin’” segment. “You’re the best of all time. Nobody in the business has ever done it better,” he asserted.

Kenny and Shaq echoed the sentiment. “You’ve been the architect of this, honestly,” the former put. “You’ve changed not only what television does, you’ve changed my family, my life.” While Shaq went on to add, “People always stop me and say, ‘you guys have the best show,’ and every time they say that I think of guys like you.” 

And, of course, Chuck wouldn’t miss a humorous addition. “Who am I going to go drinking with now?” Guess Barkley has to worry about that no longer.

The man behind the scenes makes a return

After stepping away in 2023, TNT Sports has announced that Kiely will rejoin the network just in time for the 2024-25 NBA season. Kiely will once again serve as the vice president and executive producer of NBA studio production.

His impact on the show goes beyond production credits, helping with the unscripted feel that has made Inside the NBA a fan favorite. However, Kiely’s return comes at a time when the show’s future is in question. With TNT losing its NBA media rights under the league’s new TV deal, the upcoming season might be Inside the NBA’s last in its current form.

TNT has hinted at continuing the show, possibly as a general sports program, or even moving it to another network. While the specifics remain unclear, one thing’s for sure: having Kiely back at the helm for this transition is a major win for the show’s loyal fanbase.