Charles Barkley hilariously doesn’t want Shaq back on Inside the NBA

The playful rivalry between Shaquille O’Neal and Charles Barkley on Inside The NBA has reached its next chapter on Saturday evening. Draymond Green filled in for O’Neal, who wasn’t on Saturday’s Inside The NBA coverage due to attending his son, Shaquir O’Neal’s graduation from Sacramento State.

"I don't want [Shaq] back"

Chuck is ruthless pic.twitter.com/ewOSgk5CnH

— ESPN (@espn) May 24, 2026

Barkley took liberties in O’Neal’s absense, even playfully saying that he doesn’t want Shaq to come back.

“I don’t want him back. I want him gone, period.”

Perhaps this is Barkley’s way of getting back at O’Neal for his comments during his appearance at LSU’s commencement. The 4-time NBA Champion was conferred his Master’s degree from his alma mater and was announced as Shaquille “I hate Charles Barkley” O’Neal. The crowd embraced both the playful trolling and Shaquille O’Neal’s trademark flair as he proudly represented Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.. Wearing an Omega Psi Phi graduation stole, O’Neal flashed the fraternity’s signature hand sign and leaned fully into the moment.

He also referenced Barkley in his quick commencement address, which was

“ Number four, stay curious and open-minded around the world around you. This is a weird world we live in. One day, Charles Barkley was fat. The next day, he’s skinny. I don’t know what happened, but this world is crazy. And five, celebrate how far you’ve come, but keep striving for what’s ahead.”

O’Neal has been a part of the Inside The NBA crew since the truncated 2011-2012 season, shortened because of the NBA Lockout. He joined the show’s cast months after his retirement from the NBA.

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