The TNT Inside the NBA crew is on the road for the eastern conference finals. Following last night’s game four win by Cleveland the guys were breaking down the game while sampling local cuisine and things went off the rails. Chuck and Shaq get into an argument over the definition of a “must win” situation and it got personal. Shaq dismissed Chuck because he only appeared in one NBA Finals and Chuck said Shaq rode the coattails of other great players to his titles.
If you watch the Inside the NBA show this is not new, as a matter of fact it is commonplace. This has gotten somewhat tiresome. Nobody disputes Shaq or Chuck’s or place in NBA lore. Shaq is a HOF, multiple time champ, former MVP, and one of the most dominant players ever. Chuck is also a HOF, former MVP, and one of the all time greats. Kenny is a 2X champ. Here is where things get interesting, the other NBA player on that set is Kenny Smith a 2X champ.
The pecking order should be Shaq and Chuck, a gap then Kenny Smith. But Kenny’s two titles creates an interesting dynamic on the set. Those championships give him some type of imaginary clout and currency when discussing all things basketball. That isn’t to say Kenny isn’t a great analyst and doesn’t know what he’s talking about. He is one of the best. But Chuck being the better player historically being relegated to third on that set when discussing championships has to sting. Plus the hate Shaq sends Chuck’s way has to leave Chuck feeling a certain type of way, and Shaq is here for all the petty jokes. Notice the ring he’s wearing.
See the argument between Shaq and Chuck courtesy of the NBA on TNT Twitter account.
The Chuck vs. @SHAQ saga continues on #InsidetheNBA… ? pic.twitter.com/dPMXWc0XLL
— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) May 24, 2017