Shaq joins TNT crew as 'Big Analytical'

Miami Heat's Shaquille O'Neal saluting a fan during the game... — Miami Heat's Shaquille O'Neal saluting a fan during the game against the Los Angeles Clippers. (Dec. 5, 2005) Credit: AP

By NEIL BESTneil.best@newsday.comJuly 14, 2011

If the lockout erases the NBA season, TNT might have to come up with another plan for its studio panel, which grew in a big way -- literally -- yesterday with the addition of recently retired Shaquille O'Neal.

How about Charles Barkley, Kenny Smith, Ernie Johnson and Shaq on politics? Movies? Music?

Why the heck not? It was evident on a call to announce O'Neal's hiring that the man Smith has dubbed "The Big Analytical" will fit right in with a group too colorful to be stifled by a mere labor dispute.

Speaking of which, part of Shaq's contract with Turner is a development deal with its entertainment and animation divisions.

Naturally, the preference is that basketball be played, and if it is, O'Neal is confident he will mesh with the popular, established threesome.

"It's not really a concern for me," he said. "I've always been a team player. I know when to fit in and when to just sit back and relax."

Sitting back and relaxing isn't the goal. TNT hopes O'Neal will be a fresh foil for Sir Charles and Co.

David Levy, president of Turner Sports, said Barkley was a strong proponent of adding O'Neal. (In a news release, Barkley quoted the Jets' Bart Scott, saying, "Can't wait!")

O'Neal was an obvious target for national networks upon retiring, and ESPN made a play for him. He said he did not want to incite a bidding war and simply went with his favorite show as a player.

"It was an easy decision," he said. "The guys are very fun over there. They like to, as they say in the sports world, keep it real, and I thought it was the best fit for me."

O'Neal was his usual, playful self kibitzing with reporters, although he sounded serious responding to a joking reference to reviving his 1996 movie, "Kazaam." Said Shaq: "No 'Kazaam' jokes, tough guy."

After lavishing praise on Yao Ming, O'Neal put an old adversary, the Magic's Dwight Howard, on the spot, saying with "no competition, zero, zilch" at center now, he should win at least one or two titles.

Should be an interesting season. If there is one.