Inside the NBA is no stranger to making headlines, but the past few weeks have seen the popular show become a hot topic for unexpected reasons. Renowned for its unparalleled blend of basketball analysis and comedic banter, the Emmy-winning program owes much of its charm to the chemistry of its hosts from Shaquille O’Neal and Charles Barkley’s playful feuds to Kenny “The Jet” Smith’s quick wit and iconic race to the big screen, the show’s humor has become as important as its insight However, recent events have left fans speculating over a potential shift in dynamics.

Just a week after Smith’s absence during the Thanksgiving break, fans were thrown into a frenzy when he shared an intriguing Instagram Story. The photo, featuring the luxurious Rixos Marina Hotel in Abu Dhabi, has ignited rumors that Smith might once again take a leave from Inside the NBA. While it’s not unusual for Smith to take personal time off, this post comes at a sensitive moment for the show, especially after TNT temporarily replaced him with Jalen Rose during his Thanksgiving hiatus.

Smith’s absence last week was addressed by co-host Ernie Johnson, who assured viewers that Smith was simply enjoying the holiday. “The week of Thanksgiving, Kenny off, I don’t know – you guys tie the loose ends together,” said Johnson.  While the explanation was straightforward, the temporary replacement by Jalen Rose stirred discussions among fans.

However, the addition of Jalen Rose was a tactical decision by the show. As a former NBA player and member of Michigan’s iconic “Fab Five,” Rose carved out a second career as an analyst and personality. His tenure at ESPN spanned over a decade, where he co-hosted NBA Countdown and Jalen & Jacoby. His unique brand of basketball commentary was enough to take the place of the Jet.

Now if we look at Smith’s career as a journalist, he joined the show in 1998 and brought a fresh perspective that would change sports commentary. His chemistry with Charles Barkley became legendary, characterized by their infamous back-and-forth exchanges and playful roasting. One of the most memorable moments came during their “Who He Play For?” segment, where Smith’s quick-witted responses and mock frustration became a hallmark of the show’s comedic genius.

Still, the latest Instagram post has added fuel to the fire. Abu Dhabi, a glamorous destination known for its world-class events, has sparked speculation that Smith could be working on a project outside the realm of Inside the NBA. But for now, fans are left to watch, wait, and hope that “The Jet” remains where he belongs—at the TNT desk, entertaining millions with his unparalleled blend of insight and charisma. However, did you know that Smith’s return after Thanksgiving hiatus was not well received?

Kenny Smith’s TNT comeback after small hiatus becomes sour

After a week off, Smith looked quite energetic with his flows but forgot that someone more energetic than him was present in the panel. The Jet, in his 10-year career, has faced Shaquille O’Neal 8 times and was able to score only 9.8 points against him. The 59-year-old clearly knew what the seven-footer was capable of but still doubted him and got the result.

During a recent episode of the show, Charles Barkley teased O’Neal by saying that he doesn’t have the same dunking skills that he used to have before, “You could dunk five years ago.” But Diesel spared no moment and directly answered with, “I can dunk right now.”

However, just like Barkley, Smith doubted Shaq’s words and said, “You can’t dunk right now,” and also challenged him with, “Give him a ball. Talk your talk.” What happened next wasn’t good for the Jet.

The Lakers legend, with ease, dunked the ball through the basket, leaving Smith in shame. Moreover, this didn’t end here. Fans also took to social media to throw jabs like, “Kenny cant even run why he talkin trash for,” and “Shaq should’ve said something about Kenny’s knees.”

Kenny’s misstep serves as a reminder: even in retirement, doubting Shaquille O’Neal’s abilities is always risky especially when he’s just steps away from the hoop. However, it is sure that Kenny’s return to the Inside the NBA desk is quite a thing that many fans of the show will miss if he indeed does not plan on returning.