By admin 
Charles Barkley built his game around strength and aggression, which made him one of the best players of his generation. In 16 seasons with the Philadelphia 76ers, Phoenix Suns, and Houston Rockets, Chuck averaged 22.1 points, 11.7 rebounds and 3.9 assists per game.
Read more Rams WR Puka Nacua admits ‘drowning myself’ in alcohol before rehab
He was the 1993 NBA MVP after leading the Suns to the NBA Finals, made 11 All-Star appearances, and won two Olympic gold medals, including one as part of the 1992 Dream Team. But when Barkley retired in 2000, he quickly found another way around the game.
He joined Ernie Johnson and Kenny Smith on TNT’s “Inside the NBA,” with Shaquille O’Neal later joining the group. After that, the show became known for its natural sports coverage, with four of them bringing honesty that was often missing from traditional studio shows.
Shaq and Chuck became the faces of the broadcasting team. Whether they were taking shots at current NBA stars or making themselves the punchline, they never seemed concerned about saying what was on their mind.
Chuck knows where he wants his final rounds to be
But now Chuck is 63 and may be nearing the end of his second career. Speaking with Bill Simmons on his podcast recently, the NBA legend explained how he would like to spend the final years of his life.
And if Barkley gets a say in how he wants to die, it won’t be on an ESPN set, working as he has done throughout.
“I can’t keep working forever… I wanna die on a golf course, Bill. I don’t wanna die on ESPN,” Barkley said. “I don’t wanna hear Da-Na-Na and drop dead on the [set] – I wanna drop dead on the 13th hole.”
Barkley’s comments come as “Inside the NBA” enters its second season on ESPN. Last season marked the end of the show’s long run on TNT after the network lost its NBA media rights, with ABC, ESPN, NBC and Amazon Prime Video taking over the league’s TV package in an 11-year deal worth $76 billion.
Read more A serviceman himself, Timothy Swaney found connection by helping other military vets
For a while after the deal, it wasn’t clear whether the show itself would survive the change. But eventually, Chuck, Shaq, Ernie and Smith all moved to ESPN.
Related: Thaddeus Young on why the 1988 All-NBA First Team is the greatest ever: “I’m glad I wasn’t in the NBA”
Barkley says next “Inside the NBA” season could be his last
However, during his conversation with Simmons, Barkley revealed that next season could be his last on “Inside the NBA.” There is still a chance that his decision will change, but that will be closely tied to what Johnson decides to do.
Ernie has not yet shared what he plans to do after next season, which is now less than 6 weeks away.
“Me and Ernie are a package deal. So right now, unless Ernie changes his mind, next year is my last year 100 percent,” Barkley said.
Barkley also considered leaving the show when ESPN took over, but at the time, the crew behind “Inside the NBA” played a major role in convincing him to stay.
Related: Charles Barkley says he and Ernie Johnson are retiring at the end of the season unless one thing changes
Read more Why are flags at half-staff in California? Here’s what to know
Copyright 2026 The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved
This story was originally published September 11, 2026 at 6:50 AM.