For years, Inside the NBA has been a staple of sports entertainment, delivering insightful analysis wrapped in humor and camaraderie. After months of legal wrangling between TNT and the NBA, regarding the recent move of broadcasting rights to The Walt Disney Company, NBC Universal, and Amazon Prime Video, effective from 2025-26 to 2035-36 seasons, it seemed like the Inside the NBA had finally found a reason to be happy about.

The show had finally found a home on ESPN for the 2025-2026 season in a deal that marked a significant profit of $350 million. This move thrilled fans who feared losing their Tuesday night tradition. But just as the dust seemed to settle, another question emerged: Where is Kenny Smith?

Is Kenny Smith returning to ‘Inside the NBA’?

On a recent Tuesday episode of ‘Inside the NBA’, the basketball community was surprised to see Jalen Rose sitting in Kenny Smith’s usual spot alongside Ernie Johnson, Charles Barkley, and Shaquille O’Neal. While Ernie welcomed the lineup, Charles, ever the jokester, quipped, “Kenny got fired. He got fired hopefully,” eliciting laughs from the studio but leaving viewers buzzing with speculation. Is Kenny’s absence temporary, or is this a sign of bigger changes for Inside the NBA?

But before we get into the question of where is Smith let us know, where everything started. Debuting in 1989, Inside the NBA has grown from a routine post-game analysis show into a cultural phenomenon. The show was originally hosted by Ernie Johnson and the real change came in the years  1998, 2000, and 2011 when Smith, Barkley, and O’Neal joined the show respectively. Over the years, the show has emerged to be one of the best game shows and has earned 21 Sports Emmy Awards.

Now Jalen Rose who stepped in as Kenny’s substitute, is no stranger to basketball commentary. 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. Known for his articulate breakdowns and engaging personality, Jalen’s presence on Inside the NBA was a seamless fit.

However, Rose’s appearance immediately sparked speculation. Was this a one-time arrangement, or is ESPN testing the waters for a potential shake-up? While Kenny Smith has yet to address his absence, many fans believe it’s likely a case of bad timing rather than a dramatic exit. The episode aired during Thanksgiving week, a time when many take vacations to spend with family. Co-host Ernie Johnson also gave a little bit of a hint to the listeners in this regard. “The week of Thanksgiving, Kenny off, I don’t know – you guys tie the loose ends together,” said Johnson during the show.

As one of the most iconic sports shows in television history, Inside the NBA thrives on the personalities that make it unique. Until Kenny himself confirms his plans, fans can only speculate. Whether he’s on vacation or considering a longer break, one thing is clear: his return is eagerly awaited. In the meantime, the show continues to deliver what it always has—a perfect blend of basketball analysis and unabashed fun. However, we must not forget, that another problem is still looming in the show.

Shaquille O’Neal’s contract is still looming for the 2025-2026 season

As mentioned before, Shaq has always been a cornerstone of Inside the NBA since joining the iconic show in 2011. Being a former NBA superstar, his infectious humor, larger-than-life personality, and insightful commentary have elevated the program’s appeal, making it a fan favorite. Moreover, his wholesome feuds with Charles Barkley were the reason that the show reached a viewership peak of 2.8 million. However, even after being such an important part of the show, a major decision still looms.

As the show transitions to ESPN for the 2025-2026 season, Shaq’s contract remains an uncertainty. “O’Neal has a slightly different deal than his three castmates because they do other things for WBD, including the NCAA tournament. Shaq’s deal is strictly for the NBA and it’s up in about eight months. While sources say Shaq wants to remain on the show, he’s frustrated that there have been congratulations and press releases hyping that Inside the NBA is remaining the same while he is currently not under contract to be with the company next season,” said Jimmy Traina of Sports Illustrated.

If the seven-footer is absent from the show next season, it can have a major effect on the future of the show. Without him, there would be no Barkley-Shaq feuds and also there would be humorous commentary that the fans of the show loved to hear. This would probably bring down the viewership of the show. “Humble enough to know I can be replaced, but wise enough to know ain’t nobody else like me,”  said Shaq once.

As the 2025-2026 season approaches, all eyes remain on the duo of Smith and Shaw which could shape the show’s future. What do you think about the recent changes in the show? Will Kenny Smith return? Will Shaq get the contract? Let us know in the comments.