Shaquille O’Neal throws money on the table live TV

‘Inside the NBA’ returned to tv on Wednesday, and Shaquille O’Neal wasted no time making headlines during the present’s extremely anticipated comeback with a considerably diminished schedule.

On the iconic program’s premiere episode, O’Neal joined Ernie Johnson, Kenny Smith and Charles Barkley in forecasting which groups would compete in the 2026 NBA Finals when the season concludes.

The panel evaluated every contender before Smith and Barkley agreed that the revamped New York Knicks would safe a finals berth – after coming shut last 12 months.

O’Neal disagreed sharply, arguing that the Knicks lack the obligatory elements to advance to the championship round.

Meanwhile, viewers expressed disappointment over the restricted variety of episodes that includes the ‘Inside the NBA’ crew together this season as they transition to their new partnership with ESPN.

“The Knicks are the real deal,” Barkley declared on the ESPN debut broadcast. “This is the Knicks year. They’re going to the NBA Finals.”

Smith aligned himself with Barkley, instructing Johnson to “add him” to those predicting New York possesses the expertise required to achieve the premier stage.

Following their daring predictions, O’Neal slammed down a stack of “cash,” clearly questioning his colleagues’ assertion that New York‘s roster is championship-caliber.

Johnson, however, uncovered O’Neal’s bluff, reminding viewers that earlier in the broadcast, it was revealed the stack contained only prop money. O’Neal, however, merely chuckled at the state of affairs, asserting that the Knicks still have an extended journey ahead before they’ll declare the NBA crown.

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Despite this, the Knicks did handle to achieve the Eastern Conference Finals last season, marking their first look in over 20 years.

Yet, it was Tyrese Haliburton and the Indiana Pacers who ousted the Knicks in a six-game collection. Even though New York progressed additional than ever before, the franchise determined to let go of head coach Tom Thibodeau and usher in Mike Brown, with the purpose of fostering a more unified offensive team.

The performance of the revamped Knicks under Brown’s management stays to be seen. Brown not too long ago guided the Sacramento Kings to their inaugural playoff berth and clinched a championship with the Golden State Warriors in the 2021-22 NBA season.

Brown, famend for his offensive teaching acumen, is slated to take over from Thibodeau, who was identified for his defensive-oriented game strategy. With the Eastern Conference vast open following Haliburton’s Achilles injury in Game 7 of the 2025 NBA Finals, the Knicks may probably characterize the east.

As the NBA season kicks off in full swing, there are still seven months of basketball action left. ‘Inside the NBA’ will only air a restricted variety of reveals throughout the season.

Nonetheless, Barkley made it a point to specific his pleasure about being on ESPN, despite having beforehand poked enjoyable at the network.

“I was nervous today, I’m not going to lie, because every, and Shaq and Kenny can say the same thing, every person who’s ever touched a ball wanted to be on ESPN,” Barkley admitted during the broadcast.

“They are the greatest sports network ever, and to be working for these guys is an honor and a privilege.”