Shockwaves on ‘Inside the NBA’: Beloved Crew Member’s Sudden Death Leaves Team Reeling

There’s a heaviness that settled over the “Inside the NBA” studio Thursday evening, a rare somber hush amid the usual banter and laughter. The unexpected passing of Kevin Thomas, the dedicated stage hand who was a quiet but indispensable presence backstage, left everyone — from Ernie Johnson to Charles Barkley, Kenny Smith, and Shaquille O’Neal — visibly shaken. At 70 years old, Thomas was more than just a behind-the-scenes worker; he was a spirited contributor to the show’s lighter moments, often popping up in memorable skits that helped “Inside the NBA” strike that perfect balance between sharp basketball analysis and genuine humor. It’s moments like these that remind us how the folks behind the curtain often carry the heartbeat of a production — and how their absence resonates far beyond the set. As the crew wrestled with the sting of losing a beloved colleague and friend, their words painted a vivid tribute to a man whose kindness and can-do spirit made the shadowy backstage a bit brighter. It’s clear: the space Kevin filled can’t be easily replaced, and the show won’t feel quite the same without him. LEARN MORE

Advertisement”We’ve always said, the people behind us do all the heavy lifting on the show. But, man, the world is a sadder place because Kevin’s not here. He was just a really good dude and we’re going to miss him.”

Barkley’s reflection on the loss of Thomas:”Inside the NBA” is beloved for both its straight-talk analysis and humor, and it was made very clear Thomas was a key contributor to the latter, with a reel playing his on-screen appearances in a number of skits.

The “Inside the NBA” crew concluded its pregame show on Thursday with a somber tone, mourning the unexpected death of stage hand Kevin Thomas. He was 70 years old.

“Death is so sudden. Like you’re with somebody one day, then you get the call the next day that they’re gone and you’re like, ‘What?’ We were all in shock when we got the message the other day. Man, what a fun dude. I admired him, I respected him. He did anything we asked him to do.

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With many crew members behind them, hosts Ernie Johnson, Charles Barkley, Kenny Smith and Shaquille O’Neal all spoke glowingly of Thomas’ character and impact on the show, which is headed to ESPN next year.Johnson fought tears at the conclusion of the segment, calling the moment “unspeakably difficult” and saying the studio will never be the same.