‘Inside the NBA’ on TNT was back in action to cover Game 7 between the Minnesota Timberwolves and Denver Nuggets. The panel saw the regulars of Ernie Johnson, Kenny Smith, and Charles Barkley. However, the fourth pawn of this foursome, Shaquille O’Neal, was nowhere to be found. Instead, we saw NBA Legend Vince Carter replace him.

With the turbulent battle between TNT and the NBA’s media rights, Americans fear that they might lose regular access to their favorite group. And Shaq’s absence today amplified the same. Amidst these worries, Shaq posted a cryptic Instagram post that raised suspicions further. His post read, “Humble enough to know I can be replaced, but wise enough to know ain’t nobody else like me.”

He paired this with the caption, “thanks had to steal this from my guy” and credited NBA Legend Stephen Jackson for the quote.

It is with great sadness that fans are watching the end of the glorious days of the Inside the NBA crew. There is no doubt that the dissolution of the TNT show is absolute. Charles Barkley said as much when Shaq’s comments to the Daily Mail hinted at some positive outcome. “We’re in the bidding war with NBC… It’s down to one piece of the puzzle between us and NBC. The last we’ve heard was around 2.5 billion, and we have zero idea what’s going to happen.”

Chuck’s arguments do have validity. NBC’s parent company, Comcast, has been reported to be making quite the big plays. As opposed to Warner Bros. Discovery (the parent company of TNT)’s $1.2 billion for media rights, Comcast is offering $2.5 billion. That’s a hefty amount! And one, the NBA wouldn’t hesitate to take. There’s another runner in the race to grab the NBA’s media rights. It’s Amazon Prime.

If rumors are to be believed, Amazon the tech and streaming giant might soon walk away with the cake. But considering the popularity of Shaq and Chuck and others, they wouldn’t be too naive to break them apart. Shaq’s mentor and confidant, Leonard Armato recently made an exclusive appearance on EssentiallySports Fancast, with the same belief – that even if the tech giant acquires the media rights, the organization along with Adam Silver wouldn’t dive deeper into separating the beloved duo. Of course, there might never be an “Inside the NBA”, but there will be something that the fans can look forward to in the future.

But since there hasn’t been any official confirmation about arriving at an agreement, Diesel’s cryptic IG post does not help in calming the crowd. Neither does his sudden disappearances from the studio.

Shaquille O’Neal and his mysterious absence mid-show during Game 5 of Cleveland vs Boston

We often see Draymond Green as one face among the Inside crew now. While the controversial veteran of the Warriors might not be too beloved for his on-court violence, his TV personality is one that has garnered much love and support the few times he did appear earlier. But his recent appearances have been worrying the NBA on TNT fans.

Yes, it has to do with the ongoing media rights deal. With the breakup of one of the most beloved groups looming on the horizon, the Big Diesel’s sudden, unexplained exits only serve to further the concern. During Game 5 of the Cavs vs Cs, Shaquille O’Neal left the show in the post-game session, and Green was called on to fill the big man’s seat (and shoes, metaphorically).

So far, there hasn’t been any explanation as to why Shaq had to leave. However, it feels like the foreboding of a more permanent absence.

The harsh truth of the matter though, was said in as plain terms as ‘Sir Charles’ could, in an ESPN interview. “I don’t think there’s a way they can keep us together, to be honest. We wouldn’t have anything to talk about … All of us are financially set. We ain’t worried about the job, to be honest with you.” 

If that doesn’t sound like a retirement speech, then we are not sure what does. Hopefully, they can all get together for a final hurrah.