In the last few weeks, Shaquille O’Neal has been completing his side quests before work-life hits back. From business related visits for Reebok to launching his own Shaq-A-Licious XL Gummies and the annual DJ stints, this off season has been quite happening for the 4x NBA champ. But it seems he still has just enough gas left in him. Not just to finish the last of these side quests, but to get back to work from Tuesday. 

The most recent of Shaq’s side quests came with Space Laces’ show in Orlando, where the 52-year-old was spotted grooving to the beats of DJ Laces. This came as a part of Shaquille O’Neal’s own Bass All-Stars block party. As per an article by Orlando Weekly, the venue of Wall Street Plaza also witnessed the presence of DJ Hairitage, dubstep producer Rated R, DJ Celo, Butler, and remix connoisseur Machaki.

But with the weekend bash coming to a close, it’s time for the former Orlando Magic center to switch gears. Starting this week, he’s back in the studio for Inside the NBA on TNT. The first telecast of the season tips off on Tuesday when the Boston Celtics will be receiving their 2024 championship rings. Sure, the ceremony is a big deal for Boston fans. But let’s be honest, the show will be stealing significant spotlight.

Think about it—how many sports shows are more popular than the game that follows? Now in its 35th and possibly last year, Inside the NBA is no ordinary studio show. With 21 Emmys and recognition from Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, it’s become a part of the NBA experience. The secret, as you all know—it’s all about the chemistry.

You never know what’s going to happen, and that’s what keeps fans coming back for more. And as we say this, we do realize this may as well be the last season for Inside the NBA. Yes, TNT was in a legal battle with the NBA for allegedly not honoring the contract clause that should’ve granted them rights upon matching Amazon’s offer. But it’s not as if TNT is not making efforts to ensure that fans continue to enjoy the Inside the NBA vibe. 

The show may be gone but the “architect” behind Inside the NBA is back

The network recalled what could be their answer for what’s next for TNT after Inside the NBA. The man in discussion is none other than Tim Kiely, who was associated with the network from 1995 to 2023. And was the producer of TNT’s beloved show during the time.

Whether it be assembling the cast of Inside the NBA as we see today or coming up with the idea of ditching the teleprompters and going script less—it was all TK. No wonder that Kenny Smith himself called Kiely as the “architect” of the show when TK retired in 2023. Speculations are that TK is expected to recreate the magic he once did with Inside the NBA.

And it’s not as if the team has to stick with the current show. Even with the show gone, reports suggest that TNT intends to continue with the entire crew of Inside the NBA. No wonder the network has been grabbing major opportunities like Unrivaled—a 3-on-3 women’s basketball league. And since Shaquille O’Neal seemingly realizes all of this, a carefree night was probably a good idea before wearing back his work glasses.