“I played 18 years professionally for the Pacers and right now this past year was my 18th year at Turner. So for 36 years, I’ve only known two things, yeah the Pacers and TNT and Turner.” NBA star turned-analyst Reggie Miller was very emotional last month about his future. The NBA was a step away from finalizing the new media rights set up of 11 years worth $76 billion with ESPN, Amazon, and NBC and Miller was sad about Inside the NBA not continuing further. But just when we thought TNT was out of the race, reports emerged this week that the network would use its matching rights to retain the NBA media rights.

So, the Pacers legend was the happiest when he heard the news. On his Instagram, he wrote, “Well we have a pulse!! Now where it goes from here is above my pay grade, all I know is I’m excited to start my 20th season in the Fall with these dudes,” completing the statement with #LuckyAndBlessed.

Miller uploaded a carousel of photos from the sets of Inside the NBA, featuring Charles Barkley, Shaquille O’Neal, Kenny Smith, and Ernie Johnson. He also shared BTS photos of his kids hanging around Barkley and Shaq. Wednesday was the deadline for TNT to submit the bid, and didn’t they leave it for the final day?

As per reports, TNT Sports declared it will be matching one of its competitor’s deals to pay $1.8 to 2.2 billion annually to the league – a steep increase from the previous $1.2 billion. Although no name was mentioned, many reports have suggested TNT has matched tech giant Amazon’s C package.

Miller, a month ago on the Mark Jackson show, candidly said that he had no inside scoop to share. At the time, he felt it was too quiet with no updates from their executives and hoped that the show continued. And he was not the only one who wanted the show to continue.

Biggest names in entertainment and sports like Michael Ealy, Kenan Thompson, Quavo, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Mark Cuban, Steph Curry, and Magic Johnson joined the #KeepNBAonTNT campaign. The stars shared their stories on the docuseries about Inside the NBA. Although he was not a part of the docuseries, Miller also had a story to tell about his co-workers.

Reggie Miller on what makes Inside the NBA great

Miller reckons what makes Inside the NBA a great show is the fact that it is unscripted, only Ernie Johnson has to lead the show in a direction. “But Shaq, Charles, Kenny what I mean he’s (Johnson) just throwing lobs and they’re finishing them.” Further, Reggie Miller said that the show provides honest feedback to the fans and players.

That’s probably the reason for the high ratings of the show. During the NBA playoffs in May, TNT’s May 12 Game 4 coverage of the series drew 5.6 million viewers, whereas ESPN’s May 10 Game 3 coverage drew 5.2 million watchers, as per Nielsen.

Meanwhile, none of the Inside the NBA guys have commented on the news of TNT using its matching rights. Maybe they are waiting for the final decision from the league. There have been reports that even if Warner Bros. Discovery intends to match the offer, there’s a chance Adam Silver, the commissioner of the NBA, might reject the offer. We will get a clearer picture in the upcoming weeks.

Stay tuned for more such updates and join us for the exciting pilot episode of the “Dual Threat Show” as our host BG12 sits down with Georgia Bulldogs star and SEC All-Freshman Team Selection, Silas Demary Jr.