Just days into the 2024-25 NBA season, Charles Barkley has already created several viral moments on “Inside the NBA,” setting a humorous tone for the show’s final season on TNT. On Tuesday night, the network kicked off its coverage with a doubleheader, featuring the Boston Celtics’ decisive victory over the New York Knicks, followed by a showdown between the Los Angeles Lakers and Minnesota Timberwolves.
By the time the second game wrapped up, Barkley was visibly ready to call it a night.
Unapologetically blunt, Barkley told the audience he wasn’t sticking around past 1 a.m. for TNT, joking, “First of all, they can’t fire us. We’re walking out of here at one o’clock.” The line had viewers laughing, showcasing Barkley’s irreverent sense of humor about his job security.
Just two days later, Barkley found another opportunity to bring out his “they can’t fire us” bit on live TV. As the clock neared 12:30 a.m., fellow analyst Kenny Smith was prepared to leave the set, nudging Barkley to join him in an early exit. “If you don’t walk with me…” Smith hinted, sparking another classic Barkley response.
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“I’ve got you, brother,” Barkley replied with a grin. “What’re they gonna do? Fire us?” His carefree attitude resonated with fans, many of whom are mourning the impending end of “Inside the NBA” after TNT lost its bid for future NBA broadcast rights.
With this season marked as the show’s farewell, Barkley seems to be leaning into his comedic side, knowing full well that TNT wouldn’t cut ties with the iconic crew in their final season.
Fans are savoring these jokes, knowing this may be the last chance to see Barkley and his co-hosts in action together. With more games on the schedule, it’s likely Barkley will keep cracking these irreverent one-liners, giving viewers plenty to remember in this final season.
TNT’s NBA coverage resumes Tuesday, and if Barkley’s past antics are any indication, he’s bound to bring more memorable moments to the screen.
