Chemistry is the reason behind Inside the NBA being a fan favorite. It is also the reason behind the show winning multiple Emmy Awards. From Ernie Johnson, Shaquille O’Neal, Charles Barkley, and Kenny Smith, everyone brings their expertise to the table. Let’s not forget their witty sense in probably every segment of the show. From physically hurting each other to mentally breaking down the game, it has every segment for the majority of the fans.
Even so, it’s not everyone’s cup of tea. And Fox Sports‘ Jason McIntyre falls right into that category. His reason?
“I would argue that ‘Inside the NBA,’ the show that everybody loves, has done more damage to the NBA the last decade than anything. Forget about this woke and left and right. Inside the NBA goes on every week and thrashes players, thrashes the style of play,” he said on The Herd With Colin Cowherd.
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Plus, he stated that it is doing more harm because of its critical nature. “Colin, you look at any other show, MLB Network, NFL Network, these shows are all positive. We are excited talking about the games. Inside the NBA, they just hammer the players.” To drive home the point, McIntyre pointed out the recent Chuck’s statement about the Houston Rockets and their run in the NBA Cup.
“Charles Barkley is on the TV, the Rockets are in the final four of the NBA Cup. ‘Oh, the Rockets don’t know how to play basketball, they stink, they don’t know what they are doing.’” He continued, “What are you doing? You are damaging your product on a nightly basis, hammering it. Colin, globally, the NBA is fine. Much bigger sport globally than the NFL.”
Yes, some fans have expressed in the past the displeasure that the analyst shared. Even Shaquille O’Neal suggested he did not like what ‘Sir Charles’ and ‘The Jet’ said about him when he was playing. But the analysts have always maintained that their aim is never to belittle the players. The fans too think the same and on behalf of the Inside show, they replied to the journalist.
Fans show support for Shaquille O’Neal and the Inside crew
“McIntyre is literally just there to clip farm.“ This indicated that fans thought the motive behind the statement was only for the views. And few other netizens also felt the same.
“Let me say something so ridiculous that it drives tons of views and traffic to our show.” Speaking about views, even Jason McIntyre was in hot waters when a Suns player clapped back for the views. Yes, it was none other than Kevin Durant, who slid into the Straight Fire podcast’s host DM and left a few expletive messages. All because he didn’t like what McIntyre stated.
And one fan pointed out jealousy as the reason for such a take. “They’re just jealous because no one watches The Herd let alone FS1 the way people come together to watch Inside The NBA.”
Even another one added, “Truth is a large amount of fans want to watch these shows to hear negativity and “hot takes”. They will take that over being positive every day. Just like this clip calling out inside the nba will get a lot of views.” But let’s not forget that when there were dark clouds over the future of the show, people joined in with the #KeepNBAonTNT campaign.
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This series featured some of the biggest names in entertainment and sports like Michael Ealy, Kenan Thompson, Quavo, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Mark Cuban, Steph Curry, and Magic Johnson.
They did it because they loved the authenticity of the show. That’s why even the NBA commissioner has them on board for the 2025 All-Star game.
In the end, Inside the NBA thrives on its authenticity, blending humor, banter, and sharp analysis to create a unique viewing experience. While critics like Jason McIntyre may argue that the show’s candid approach does more harm than good, fans and players alike continue to rally behind it, valuing its raw and unfiltered take on the game.
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The overwhelming support from the audience, coupled with the show’s cultural relevance and accolades, underscores its importance not just as a basketball program but as a pop culture phenomenon. Love it or hate it, Inside the NBA remains an irreplaceable cornerstone of basketball entertainment.
Fox Sports Analyst Blasts Shaquille O’Neal & Inside the NBA Crew, Fans Name Real Reason for Hate
