The NBA tips off its regular season this week, with TNT, ESPN and NBA TV lining up a buffet of programming around the regular season. On TNT’s side of the equation, the network will tip off play with Autotrader Premiere Week featuring a pair of blockbuster NBA on TNT doubleheaders on Tuesday and Thursday beginning with the Pelicans/Raptors at 8p, followed by the Lakers/Clippers at 10:30p.
However, Turner will also see some benchmarks with the new season, including the 30th anniversary of Inside the NBA as well as the 30th anniversary for network stalwart Ernie Johnson at Turner Sports. Inside the NBA Presented by Kia this season will open from LA on Tuesday and feature the studio team of Charles Barkley, Shaquille O’Neal, Kenny Smith and Ernie Johnson with an expanded pregame show starting at 5:30p. Cynopsis Sports asked Craig Barry, Chief Content Officer at Turner Sports about the new season and the company’s milestones.
Barry on the new season: This is going to be a special season for us. It’s the 30th year of Inside the NBA and we have some fun and exciting plans in place to help celebrate the show and some of its top moments through the years. We’ve hired Stan Van Gundy, expanded the roles of Candace Parker, Ian Eagle and Steve Nash, and we’ll be taking a new approach to our Tuesday night coverage on TNT throughout the season. We’re also increasing the number of touch points for fans to consume our NBA content and engage with our personalities across social media platforms for the upcoming season.
On the legacy of Inside the NBA: We’re humbled by the attention the show has received and could not be more appreciative of the continued fan support. That show’s success comes down to the chemistry that exists between Ernie, Charles, Shaq and Kenny. It’s something that can’t be taught and we try and create an environment that leverages their strengths and helps set them up for success. It’s important to also extend our appreciation to all the talented people – past and present – who have contributed to the show’s success. Without them, it would not be what it is today.
On Ernie Johnson: First of all, and I realize this is not an original take, but there is not a finer person in the industry than Ernie. He’s the consummate professional and an even greater human being. He’s the glue that has kept everything together. He’s meticulously prepared and able to get the most compelling perspectives out of Charles, Shaq and Kenny. Let’s just say, when he first started, we used a fair amount of prompter copy. Today, there is very little. That format has encouraged more free-flowing conversation and there is no one better at facilitating it than EJ.
On opening the season: Inside the NBA will be on the road in L.A. and San Francisco for Opening Week. For Opening Night, we’ll have the NBA on TNT American Express Road Show from L.A. Live with the Inside team doing a 2.5 hour pre-game show on location, along with halftime of our first game and post-game coverage. There will also be a performance from Halsey and a number of other elements including an Inside the NBA 30th Anniversary Experience. And we’ll have a unique, volumetric capture demonstration provided by AT&T 5G. Later in the week, Inside the NBA will be on location for the unveil of the new Chase Center in San Francisco as well.
