Fans Forget Shaquille O’Neal’s Absence as Dirk Nowitzki Wins Over With TNT Stint

We have seen many basketball icons join the Inside the NBA on special occasions. Vince Carter, Jamal Crawford, Dwyane Wade, etc. have joined the sets of Studio J for a few cameos. However, this time, the TNT crew roped in someone new, which is none other than Dirk Nowitzki, who impressed the Inside the NBA fans with his very first appearance. In fact, it looks like the fans wouldn’t mind if Shaquille O’Neal gets replaced in the TNT crew by the Dallas Mavericks legend. Let’s find out how Nowitzki managed to make a good impression. 

“Hey guys this is Dirk. Excited to fill in for Shaq today. It will be a fun show. I’ll be fun and part of the chaos and can’t wait,” said Nowitzki before he went live on air. The TNT crew wanted to bring a new face to Inside the NBA. So Shaq was rested from covering Game 1 between the Minnesota Timberwolves vs Denver Nuggets today. 

Nowitzki was a part of the half-time report and the post-game analysis as well. He shared some interesting observations about the game, praising Anthony Edwards, Rudy Gobert, and Karl Anthony-Towns for a terrific win on the road against the defending champions.

They say ‘first impression is the best impression‘, and Nowitzki lived by it today, with a subtle smile on his face throughout the live coverage. It looks like his charm worked out well, as fans are demanding more minutes from the 2011 champion at Studio J. 

“Much better with Dirk than Shaq”: Do fans want a change of face on Inside the NBA?

Shaq, Charles Barkley, Kenny Smith, and Ernie Johnson have made this show one of the best in business. Fans love the quartet, but after Dirk Nowitzki chimed in for a day, it looks like they wouldn’t mind having a change. A lot of fans were appreciative of the German basketball legend for adapting to television standards in just his first appearance. A fan wrote on YouTube, “Never thought Shaq could be replaced. Great job Dirk!!!”  

There is a chance that TNT aka Turner Sports might lose its rights for Inside the NBA soon. If in case that happens, the crew might break up into two, because Ernie Johnson is not willing to leave Turner Sports as per multiple reports. 

Barkley might join ESPN or Prime Video as he will be entering free agency. Kenny Smith and Shaquille O’Neal’s future would be in doubt. However, in case the above happens, Nowitzki might be a prospect for the other media houses. 

Nowitzki and Barkley had great chemistry today. The Philly legend shared a hilarious story of his first meet-up with the Mavericks icon, and how he tried to recruit him to Auburn University.

With media houses analyzing the trends and choices closely, Nowitzki might be a target if a vacancy arises anywhere. They might even try to pair him with Barkley.

Shaq might not get replaced, but Dirk Nowitzki might find a place for himself. After all, Nowitzki is one of the most respected big men in league history.