Here’s something Kenny “The Jet” Smith never thought he’d experience – being in LeBron James’ shoes. Right now he’s one of the biggest voices who has stayed low-key throughout the TNT crisis. While Charles Barkley does all the talking, Kenny, Shaq, and Ernie have not been spared the attention. Everyone is on the edge of their seats waiting to hear if they’re staying at TNT with Chuck. Unlike the blunt Barkley, 3/4th of the Inside Guys have complied with TNT’s gag order while negotiations are still on. That’s left Smith unable to give a complete answer to the burning questions. Yet he does hint at what could be destined for the Inside Guys’ future.

After a hectic summer on the road from March Madness, to the playoffs, NBA finals, and the Olympics with his exhibition games, the Rockets legend checked in at local Houston media. Even here, his take on the NBA on TNT situation was asked. He replies like Shaquille O’Neal asked that question.

“I feel like LeBron [James].” Specifically, at that time, everyone was dogging James with repetitive questions about whether he’d stay in Cleveland. It was a primetime ESPN special aptly titled, The Decision. His statement before heading to Miami Heat would become a pop culture phrase. It’s pretty much what the TNT guys feel now. Will they keep Inside the NBA going as is, will they disband, or collectively go to the many interested partners?

He told the Houston Chronicle, “At some point, we’re going to have to (say), ‘We’re taking our talents to, or we’re staying at …’ We’re going to have to make that announcement at some point, but I’m excited because the four of us, together collectively, if we choose to do it, we can do something that’s monumental in sports television.”

What is the monumental move? Kenny implies something heavy there.

Kenny Smith’s ambitious plans for Inside the NBA

Context clues indicate Kenny did this interview before Charles Barkley announced his decision to cancel his retirement and stay at TNT. That’s why Kenny mentions talk of doing something outside TNT.

Given the extreme interest Amazon and more have shown in getting the Inside Guys together on their NBA broadcasts, with potentially higher pay, the 2x champion accurately says their situation has created a major opportunity. All four had the potential to be the most expensive free agents in sportscasting. They’re so in demand, there were insider rumors that Amazon offered for them to continue in Atlanta with the same production crew.

Kenny gives examples of Adam Sandler’s Happy Madison Productions and Peyton and Eli Manning’s Manningcast, the alternative live football broadcast. Like Barkley previously claimed to revive Inside the NBA under his production banner, Kenny hinted they could build their own brand collectively.

But, he also implied he has no intention to leave his best friends behind. He was Ernie’s first permanent analyst, and he plans to stay as long as those guys are.

Stay tuned for more such updates and join us for the exciting second episode of the “Dual Threat Show” as our host BG12 sits down with Georgia Bulldogs star and Mountain West All-Freshman Team Selection, Asia Avinger.