“I love watching Charles Barkley” - Rich Eisen admits he’s thrilled Barkley is staying with Turner, says it would’ve been a bummer to not see him on Thursday nights

Charles Barkley is one of the most famous NBA analysts. After spending 16 years playing in the NBA, Barkley decided to move into media.

The former basketball superstar nearly left his current job with Turner Sports to join golf's LIV Tour as a broadcaster. However, he eventually opted against it.

On his podcast, Rich Eisen spoke about Barkley's decision. Eisen said he was happy that the NBA legend decided to stay on as a basketball analyst.

"For all of us who love Charles Barkley with Ernie and Shaq and Kenny, in the hands of the Turner Sports family, we are grateful and thrilled about this news," Eisen said.

"I love watching Charles Barkley. It would absolutely be a bummer to tune in on Thursday nights and not see him because he was at some LIV golf tournament, somewhere on planet Earth."

Charles Barkley is 1 of the funniest media personalities

Charles Barkley played in the NBA in the '80s and '90s. Despite being undersized for a power forward, he became one of the greatest rebounders in the league's history. The big man never won a championship ring and often gets teased about it by broadcasting partner Shaquille O'Neal.

While his broadcasting partners are also talented, the truth is that "Inside the NBA" wouldn't be the same without Charles Barkley.

The former NBA superstar initially claimed that he would join the LIV Tour if they offered him a $60 million contract, but this probably did not happen. It is also possible that he received a huge contract offer but that Turner Sports gave him a massive pay bump to retain his services.

Either way, Barkley will stay with Turner Sports for now. He is only 59, and NBA fans will be hoping he remains a part of "Inside the NBA" for at least another decade.

According to reports, the former All-Star has three more years left on his contract and will be paid $30 million over this period.