Shaquille O’Neal’s absence from TNT’s Inside the NBA panel during the NBA semifinals has left fans speculating about his whereabouts. The retired basketball player turned sportscaster has been a mainstay on the show alongside Kenny Smith, Ernie Johnson, and Charles Barkley.
On May 19, 2024, Shaq was replaced by NBA legend Vince Carter during the coverage of the Nuggets-Timberwolves semifinals matchup. The seven-footer did not provide a reason for his absence, and TNT has not addressed the issue either. This has left viewers questioning whether Shaq will return for the Conference Finals.
Shaquille O’Neal has been a sports analyst on TNT for years after signing a multi-year deal in 2011 to join the network’s NBA coverage. Despite his absence, the former NBA star has made a significant impact as an anchor on the show, bringing his unique personality and insights to the panel.
Before his successful career as a sports analyst, Shaquille O’Neal had a remarkable professional basketball career. He was the first overall pick in the 1992 NBA draft by the Orlando Magic, where he won Rookie of the Year in his first season. Shaq went on to win three NBA championships with the Los Angeles Lakers alongside Kobe Bryant and Phil Jackson.
Throughout his career, Shaq also played for the Miami Heat, Phoenix Suns, Cleveland Cavaliers, and Boston Celtics before retiring in 2011. His absence from the Inside the NBA panel has left fans wondering when they will see the beloved sports analyst back on their screens.
