The Indiana Pacers secured a 2-0 lead in the Eastern Conference finals on Friday night by narrowly defeating their opponent 114-109 at Madison Square Garden. This game marked the final playoff broadcast for NBA on TNT, as the network’s television contract will expire after the current season, concluding their coverage with the East Finals.
Golden State Warriors star Draymond Green joined TNT as a guest analyst for Game 2, and he announced he would not continue with the broadcast team for the remaining games in Indiana. Taking this moment, Green expressed a heartfelt farewell to the Inside the NBA crew, including Shaquille O’Neal, Charles Barkley, Kenny Smith, and Ernie Johnson.
Draymond Green Reflects on His Time with Inside the NBA
Green thanked the Inside the NBA team for allowing him to be part of their show during this transitional period. He acknowledged the passion that fans and contributors show toward the network and the analysts, recognizing the significant impact their opinions and commentary have on viewers.
I just wanted to thank you guys for having me,
Green said.
What y’all have meant, TNT has been incredible. I think so many guys get mad when y’all say something just because it means so much. And your opinions, everybody take it to heart.
—Draymond Green
He continued by celebrating the long legacy of Inside the NBA on TNT and congratulated the group on their successful run.
It’s been special to be a small part of this when y’all allowed me to. Y’all had a great run at TNT. Congratulations.
—Draymond Green
Green’s Transition from Player to Analyst During the NBA Playoffs
Following the Golden State Warriors’ elimination in the second round of the playoffs by the Minnesota Timberwolves, Green’s schedule opened up, enabling him to return to broadcasting. When asked by Charles Barkley if he would travel to Indianapolis for the remaining games in the series, Green replied simply, “I’m going home.”
With TNT’s playoff coverage winding down, Barkley and the rest of the cast still have a few games left before the network officially ends its 35-year association with Inside the NBA. The show will move to ESPN and ABC in the upcoming season, with the entire core team—Barkley, O’Neal, Smith, and Johnson—set to continue their roles on the program.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Inside the NBA and Green’s Next Steps
The transition marks the end of an era for TNT’s playoff broadcasts, but Inside the NBA’s relocation offers a new chapter for the beloved show and its hosts. Draymond Green’s farewell highlights the respect and admiration between current players and veteran analysts as the NBA landscape evolves. His experience as a former Defensive Player of the Year provides valuable insight for fans and adds depth to the broadcast during his appearances.
As the Eastern Conference finals proceed, the basketball community will watch closely how the remaining games unfold and how the transition of NBA coverage from TNT to ESPN and ABC influences the viewing experience. Meanwhile, Draymond Green’s return to broadcasting may become a more frequent part of his career following his active playing days.