It’s Shaq vs. Barkley in TNT’s studio

The intriguing media storyline of this abbreviated NBA season is Shaquille O’Neal’s transition to TV and seeing exactly how two larger-than-life personalities (Shaq and Charles Barkley, pictured together) will play off each other in TNT’s studio. O’Neal is glib, clever and says what he thinks. But he also mumbles and speaks sometimes in a monotone. It will take time to develop chemistry, but the early signs are encouraging. On a webcast last week, O’Neal, Barkley and Kenny Smith had a lively discussion about Dwight Howard’s future. O’Neal criticized Magic general manager Otis Smith for his roster moves and for not taking Howard’s advice on personnel. Countered Sir Charles: “I disagree because they have tried to make trades to make the team better.” – Miami Herald