Amidst the issue that TNT will soon lose the NBA, the Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) is making sure not to bow out without the fight. What could be a last hurrah? Shaquille O’Neal and his ‘Inside the NBA’ gang are also determined to make the best show ever. But Shaq’s TNT duties are not just with the Inside show. And there is an addition of a familiar face on Tuesday’s show, with whom the Lakers legend once said that he was still ‘hurt’ by the latest talent, who was also a former teammate.

“Vince Carter – member of 2024 Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame class – joins TNT Sports as NBA studio analyst. Carter will join Shaquille O’Neal, Candace Parker & Adam Lefkoe on NBA on TNT Tuesdays and appear on NBA TV.” TNT Sports tweeted out the news about the latest addition to their show. But why was Shaq hurt by Vince Carter’s actions?

At the time, they were rivals on the court, so Vince Carter tried to do what he was known for. “One time, he challenged me in Miami. I didn’t see him. He tried to dunk on me on that night. It hurt me to this day, I had to put him on his a**,” Shaquille O’Neal said via the Big Podcast, two years ago.

But the water is under the bridge. Even the Raptors’ legend couldn’t wait to join his new colleagues. “I am thrilled to have the opportunity to expand my role with the TNT Sports family.” Vince Carter continued, “Top notch people, top notch productions, top notch coverage of the NBA…I appreciate the Tuesday night crew, Shaq, Candace & Adam saving a seat for me, honored to be a part of it, we are going to have some fun this season.” But that’s not all.

The 8x All-Star will also feature regularly on NBA TV. After all, he has been working with TNT last season as a guest analyst on TNT and NBA TV for select nights. But did you know once Carter did his duty in the absence of Shaquille O’Neal, which caused a lot of uproar on social media?

Vince Carter once replaced Shaquille O’Neal

During the Game 7 between the Timberwolves and Nuggets in May, ‘Inside the NBA’ was missing a big piece. Shaquille O’Neal was absent, and it was at a time when the NBA and TNT media rights deal was still ongoing. But nobody knew why the Lakers legend was not present, and Vince Carter came in as a replacement.

Later, Shaq posted a cryptic Instagram post that had the fans worried. “Humble enough to know I can be replaced, but wise enough to know ain’t nobody else like me.” The post is still up on IG and had the caption, “thanks had to steal this from my guy,” and credited NBA legend Stephen Jackson for the quote.

Ultimately, it did not lead to the breakup of the Inside Show, but now they are most probably in their last year. And even if the show doesn’t return next year, it seems TNT has some plans ready with Vince Carter. Not too long ago, even Charles Barkley endorsed the latest addition, “I’m going to pass the baton to either Jamal Crawford or Vince Carter or you Steve (Smith).” That was the retirement speech from the 76ers legend with a shout-out to Carter.

“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.”