The “Inside the NBA” family is grieving the loss of one of its longtime behind-the-scenes legends. Kevin Thomas, a veteran stagehand who spent three decades working at TNT, has passed away at the age of 70 — a sudden loss that stunned the entire crew, including Shaquille O’Neal and Charles Barkley.
The news hit especially hard on Thursday night, as the team took a moment during the broadcast to honor their fallen friend. Ernie Johnson led the tribute from Studio J, describing how deeply Thomas’ death has affected the entire crew.
“Our family is hurting,” Johnson said. “Kevin was more than a colleague — he was part of the heartbeat of this place.”
Though he wasn’t in front of the camera often, Kevin Thomas was a familiar face to everyone who worked on “Inside the NBA.” His presence and personality were felt every night. Johnson recalled a few of the skits Thomas had appeared in over the years — including the hilarious moment when he filed Shaq’s nails on live TV — a moment Shaq would never forget.
“That was my guy,” Shaq said emotionally. “Kevin was a great man. This is my first real job outside the court, and I’ve seen the same people here every day for the last 12 years. You build a bond with folks like Kevin.”
Shaq then described the moment he heard the news.
“When they told me the other day… I heard it, but I didn’t want to believe it,” he said. “I said, ‘Who?’ They said, ‘Kevin.’ I said, ‘My Kevin?’ And it was.”
O’Neal, known for his larger-than-life personality and quick wit, was visibly moved. He offered condolences to Thomas’ family and expressed what many in the studio felt: that Kevin wasn’t just a coworker — he was family.
“We’re all hurting today,” Shaq said. “And I pray for his family. He’ll definitely be missed.”
The show chose not to share details of Thomas’ passing, focusing instead on celebrating his life and legacy — one defined by warmth, professionalism, and joy.
Charles Barkley, often the emotional compass of the show, described the death as “so sudden,” echoing the shock that everyone felt upon hearing the news. Kenny Smith, too, shared heartfelt thoughts, emphasizing the close-knit nature of the “Inside the NBA” team — both on-camera and off.
Though viewers at home didn’t see Kevin Thomas every night, his impact was unmistakable. The energy, humor, and smooth production that makes “Inside the NBA” so special had Kevin’s fingerprints all over it.
Our deepest condolences go out to Kevin Thomas’ family, friends, and everyone at TNT who worked alongside him. He may have worked in the background, but his legacy shines brightly in the spotlight.