"In the twilight of his Hall of Fame career, Shaquille O'Neal joined established teams in Cleveland and Boston in the hope of winning one final NBA championship.

That didn't happen, and now O'Neal has started his life after basketball by latching onto another successful team.

O'Neal, who had hinted at a broadcasting career even during his three-plus seasons with the Heat (2004-08), agreed Thursday to a multiyear contract with Turner Sports. He will join TNT's popular Inside the NBA program as an in-studio analyst alongside Charles Barkley, Kenny Smith and Ernie Johnson.

"I don't think it will be hard for me. I've always been a people person," O'Neal said. "The good thing about this show, everyone has their own opinion. Kenny has his opinion from a guard's point of view, Charles has his opinion from a forward's point of view and I have my opinion from a center's point of view. I know it will work out very well."

O'Neal is known for his imagination and wit, but he was also prone to mumbling during interviews as a player, and never seemed to revel in criticism the way that Barkley did, or does. O'Neal said he hoped to offer a smooth, analytical style, citing Bryant Gumbel as a model, and said he was willing to be critical when necessary."