Shaquille O'Neal will share TNT stage with Barkley

O'Neal will become a regular with Charles Barkley, Kenny Smith and Ernie Johnson on the Emmy-winning studio show Inside the NBA.

But will one set be big enough, literally and figuratively, for The Diesel and Sir Charles?

O'Neal said the two giants will peacefully co-exist. "It is not a concern for me. I've always been a team player," he said on a conference call Thursday.

Turner Sports President David Levy said Barkley was one of the biggest proponents of hiring O'Neal. Smith has nicknamed his new colleague "The Big Analytical."

Said Levy: "We have always had four people sitting up there. … I think there will be enough to go around for everybody."

ESPN tried to recruit O'Neal as its answer to outspoken, entertaining Barkley. ESPN recently lost lead NBA game analyst Mark Jackson, who became coach of the Golden State Warriors. ESPN has often tinkered with the cast of its own pregame studio shows to replicate the success of Inside the NBA.

But the sports world's biggest TV free agent says he didn't want to start a bidding war for his services between networks. "(Inside the NBA) has always been my favorite show. I thought that was just the best fit for me," O'Neal said.

The funny, charismatic four-time NBA champion could make a great addition to the popular Barkley-Smith-Johnson team. Asked if he and Barkley could become the "Kobe (Bryant) and Shaquille" of TV, O'Neal said sure.

"Charles is a funny guy. He's a guy that says what's on his mind. I'm just honored to sit up there with him, Kenny and Ernie."

On the other hand, O'Neal has a tendency to mumble and talk in a low, monotone voice. Plus, chemistry's a funny thing in TV sports. What works on paper doesn't always work in reality.

TNT was forced to retreat back indoors from its outdoor set after Miami Heat fans taunted and threw towels at Barkley. He flipped them off.

Fox tried Joe Buck as host of its top-rated Fox NFL Sunday studio show. But there wasn't enough air time for Buck, Terry Bradshaw, Howie Long and Jimmy Johnson. Buck was replaced by Curt Menefee.