Dwight Howard fills in for Shaq on Inside the NBA, sparking massive reaction [VIDEO]

Former Rivals Share Spotlight As Howard Takes O’Neal’s Seat on TNT

Tonight, Dwight Howard has stepped in for Shaquille O’Neal on TNT’s Inside the NBA, marking a headline-worthy moment in sports broadcasting and internet culture. Howard, once a heated rival of O’Neal due to their prolonged feud over the “Superman” nickname and their shared NBA legacy, is now trending on X (formerly Twitter) for taking the very chair once used to publicly mock him.

Their history stems from both being number one overall picks for the Orlando Magic. For a time, Howard’s career ran parallel to Shaq’s. In four years, Shaq led the Magic from being an expansion team to being a playoff contender. Together with Penny Hardaway, Shaq’s Magic went to the NBA Finals, defeating Michael Jordan’s Chicago Bulls in the process.

Similarly, Dwight Howard and Jameer Nelson formed a duo. In eight years, Howard returned the Magic to prominence. Alongside Nelson, Howard led the Magic back to the NBA Finals, dethroning the defending-champion Big 3 Boston Celtics in the process. Despite this, Shaq was Howard’s biggest critic. Their feud has gone from beef to jokes. Tonight, Howard sits in Shaq’s Inside The NBA chair for jokes.

A 20-Year Feud Comes Full Circle

Howard and O’Neal’s feud traces back to 2008, when Howard adopted the “Superman” nickname during the NBA All-Star Slam Dunk Contest. O’Neal, who had long used that moniker during his playing days, saw it as an affront. Over the years, the animosity grew, fueled by O’Neal’s on-air jabs on Inside the NBA and Howard’s frustrations voiced on various platforms.

In 2022, O’Neal publicly dismissed Howard’s legacy, and in 2025, things hit a boiling point when Howard challenged Shaq to “throw hands” in an interview. Yet by April 2025, the tension had diffused. O’Neal agreed to accompany Howard during his Hall of Fame induction ceremony, symbolizing a long-awaited truce. That public reconciliation paved the way for this week’s surprising television appearance.

Tonight, fans have thoroughly enjoyed Howard continuing to follow Shaq’s footsteps.

Fan Reactions: From Disbelief to Applause

Howard’s presence on the TNT set lit up social media with thousands weighing in. @OMagicDaily tweeted, “Whoah, Dwight Howard sitting in for Shaq today on the Inside the NBA desk,” gaining the most traction with over 2,300 views and 25 likes. Other users expressed a mix of amusement, shock, and nostalgia.

• @bryantj248: “They got Dwight Howard filling in for Shaq on Inside the NBA. Who in the hell saw that coming in 2025?!”
• @UAintGotAPs5Yet: “Why Dwight Howard on Inside the NBA??..him & Charles Barkley bought to be flirting all night 😭”
• @SMMacdownn: “They got Dwight Howard sitting in Shaq’s chair on Inside the NBA?? That’s crazy work. I never thought I’d see the day.”
• @HornsBloody: “Dwight Howard stole the Superman nickname, copied the Magic to Lakers move, and is now sitting in Shaq’s chair on Inside The NBA. This man won’t stop.”

The range of reactions points to just how culturally significant the moment is for NBA fans.

A Potential Shift Toward Broadcasting?

With his recent Hall of Fame induction and newfound presence in the media (including his stint on Dancing With the Stars in 2024), Howard’s brand has evolved. Once labeled a locker room distraction or underachiever, Howard’s latest moves are reshaping his public narrative. While his appearance on Inside the NBA appears to be a one-time fill-in, it may serve as a testing ground for future media opportunities.

This new direction is supported by fan reactions like that of @MobleyVerse: “Dwight Howard on inside the nba is nice touch,” and @SaneUTDOM: “Dwight Howard got into the Hall of Fame, hashed it out with Shaq, and is getting a look on Inside the NBA. Not a bad run for homie.”

The Missing Shaq Factor

Interestingly, there has been no official word from TNT or O’Neal himself about why he was absent on May 13. Given their now-settled history, speculation around whether Shaq approved of Howard’s temporary seat remains high. However, the optics of Howard filling in during O’Neal’s absence signal a public endorsement of sorts—intentional or not.

Many fans interpreted the timing as a symbolic passing of the torch—or perhaps a one-night olive branch that showcased how far the two former rivals have come. Others suggested that the producers of Inside the NBA may have deliberately seized the opportunity to capitalize on the duo’s reconciled relationship, drawing both curiosity and ratings.

Of course, some viewers took to X to float theories that bordered on humorous conspiracy, wondering if this was the network’s way of “testing the waters” with Howard. With Shaq’s heavy schedule and side ventures ranging from business to DJing, fans speculated that TNT may be exploring fresh faces to complement the core cast in future seasons.

Closing Thoughts

Dwight Howard’s guest spot on Inside the NBA isn’t just another guest appearance—it’s the latest chapter in a 20-year saga filled with rivalry, redemption, and reinvention. From being the target of Shaq’s relentless jabs to stepping into his broadcasting shoes, Howard has flipped the narrative. If public reaction is any indicator, this moment is more than just a cameo—it’s a potential pivot point. What made it especially powerful wasn’t just the symbolism of Howard occupying Shaq’s chair—it was the maturity both men demonstrated by putting their differences aside publicly.

In a sports world often fueled by grudges and media feuds, Howard and O’Neal’s détente serves as a refreshing counter-narrative. Their history, once punctuated by ego clashes and pointed insults, has now given way to mutual respect. For viewers, it’s an example of how time—and perhaps a little shared legacy—can heal wounds.

Howard’s trending moment shows there’s still room for surprises in the NBA universe. Whether or not this leads to more TV opportunities for him remains to be seen, but for now, fans are simply enjoying the poetic justice. From being the brunt of Shaq’s jokes to replacing him on live television, Howard has had the last laugh—at least for tonight.