Charles Barkley announced plans to leave “Inside the NBA” after the 2026-27 season. The popular show already appears to have a potential successor in Draymond Green, but the Hall of Famer has another replacement in mind.
Barkley recently said that he told Ernie Johnson he’d stay on “Inside the NBA” for two seasons after it moved from TNT to ESPN last year. Although he’s previously hinted at retirement without following through, the 63-year-old intends to step out of the public spotlight so long as the longtime host also retires.
Having frequently appeared on “Inside the NBA,” Green feels like a logical heir apparent as another boisterous, big-bodied bruiser. The Golden State Warriors forward could seek a full-time media career when he stops playing, but Barkley would love to see another Michigan native land the gig.
“I think Draymond would do a good job,” Barkley told Westwood One Sports’ BetMGM Gameday Live on Sunday. “I like Draymond, but Jalen Rose is fantastic. He’s substituted for us sometimes. Jalen Rose is unbelievable, Vince Carter is unbelievable. Draymond, he’s filled in for us also, but Jalen Rose to me would be the perfect guy because he’s done the most with us.”
“I’m on the back nine of life”
© Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
Barkley reiterated during the weekend interview that his plans hinge on whether Johnson stays or leaves. The 70-year-old has yet to publicly reveal a decision, and a source told Front Office Sports’ Ryan Glasspiegel last month that Johnson’s future remains “up in the air.”
“If Ernie leaves the show, I wouldn’t even feel right doing the show without Ernie,” Barkley said. “So if Ernie does not change his mind, it’s over. It’s been a great ride. I’ve been so lucky and blessed. Because of a stupid ball, I got to play all these years. I got to talk about it. And the main thing is, hey, I’m on the back nine of life.”
Barkley would appear to pick Rose to take his spot. The former ESPN analyst made a surprise return to the network for guest appearances on “Inside the NBA” last season.
Meanwhile, Green was recently asked about replacing Barkley during a Front Office Sports interview two weeks ago.
“It’s not my place or role to say, like, yeah, that’s the seat I’m filling,” Green said. “I just don’t make that decision. You know, Charles Barkley is a legend. So to even think that you’re filling his seat, I think that’s a grave mistake. You never replace superstars in the NBA. Michael Jordan still hasn’t been replaced in Chicago some 30 years later. You don’t replace greatness. You don’t replace GOATs.”
