Responsible for Adding Flavor to a Fan-Favorite, Here’s a Lookback Into Shaquille O’Neal’s 12 Year TNT Journey

The NBA on TNT show is arguably the best show on TV built around the NBA. It is not luck that the TNT crew has managed to win the hearts of hoop fans. Over the years, they have added some of the biggest and most impactful names to their own roster. Their panelists are among the funniest people to listen to. From Shaquille O’Neal, Charles Barkley, Kenny Smith, and Ernie Johnson, the TNT crew is a solid All-Star team.

While they all bring their different skill sets to the table, the collective result at the end is what makes the show. Shaq being the last to join the team, let’s have a look at his 12-year-long career on TV.

Read More: Charles Barkley Erupts in Heated Rant on Suspended Star Ja Morant: “Paid Close to $100 Million…Don’t Be a Fool”

Shaquille O’Neal’s beginning on TNT

Shaq has been one of the pioneers in the league for creating new avenues after retirement. The 51-year-old had started trying out business opportunities even before his retirement. Once he bid farewell to the league, Shaq became a dominant force in the business world. Today he owns many restaurants, fast food joints, car washes, and whatnot. Additionally, he is also a renowned DJ now and often tours across the world with his dubstep-centric sets. However, the first major move Shaq made after his retirement in 2011 was joining the NBA on TNT crew.

The superstar was approached by the producers of the show right after his retirement in 2011. The show already had a star-studded lineup, but they knew bringing Shaq into the equation would give them an edge. That is exactly what happened and the Shaq-Barkley duo went on to become a formidable force. According to reports, Shaq makes over $10 million a year for his appearance on the show. Although the money is nothing when compared to his NBA salary, a total of over $300 million in 19 years, and his net worth of $400 million, the show represents something bigger than just money.

Shaquille O’Neal once debunked a theory about the moon

The presence of Shaq guarantees a good time for everyone who is paying attention. His “What’d you say, Chuck?” has become iconic over the years. Shaq says it when he wants Barkley to repeat the outrageous thing he just said. Although the arguments on the show often get heated between the iconic duo, the shared respect prevents it from getting out of control.

The Big Man once tried to debunk the myth about the moon. The mathematician inside Dr Shaq took over his personality when he argued that LA is farther from Hartsfield-Jackson than the moon. His reason? Well, O’Neal believes that when he steps outside, he can’t see LA but he can in fact see the moon, so… maybe, the moon is closer than people think!

Watch This Story: Microwave Devin Booker Saving Grace For Kevin Durant As Stephen Curry And Klay Thompson Battle An Uphill Climb At Warriors Vs Suns