What happened: "All we can say is, thank you," Chuck, Kenny and Shaq said while reflecting on their tenure alongside Ernie Johnson on Inside the NBA. The tribute follows Johnson's announcement that 2026-27 will be his final season hosting the studio broadcast.

Why it matters: Johnson has anchored the four-man desk as its central moderator through the program's transition onto ABC's Finals stage. Broadcast peers across the league, including ESPN's NBA Today panel, have likewise recognized the veteran host as the studio standard.

What to watch: Johnson will continue leading the Inside the NBA desk through the remainder of the 2026-27 regular season and postseason.