​Hall of Famer Charles Barkley’s tearful tribute to host Ernie Johnson on Wednesday’s “Inside the NBA” also confirmed his own exit, because Johnson’s decision to leave after this season removed the only reason Barkley gave for staying.Johnson, 70, announced Wednesday that his 37th season hosting the show will be his last, calling it “totally my decision.” Hours later, Barkley fought back emotion on set: “We knew the day was coming. It’s still tough.”MORE: Charles Barkley announces final season alongside Ernie Johnson on ‘Inside the NBA’Barkley thanks Ernie Johnson on airCharles Barkley gets emotional addressing Ernie Johnson:“It’s been an honor and privilege to work with you all this time.”Johnson announced today that he will be leaving Inside the NBA after this season. pic.twitter.com/jpaBbNpVMy— Underdog NBA (@UnderdogNBA) October 28, 2026Barkley, who joined the desk in 2000, called his run alongside Johnson, Kenny Smith, Shaquille O’Neal and the crew behind the cameras “an honor and a privilege.” He also called Johnson the group’s “unquestionable leader.”The Auburn product said fans most often ask him whether Johnson is as good a person as he seems on television. “And I say, ‘Man, he’s better than that,’” Barkley said.He closed with a story from baseball great Joe Morgan, one of his mentors. Before meeting Jackie Robinson, Morgan asked his father what to say, and his father told him, “Son, just tell him thank you, because a thank-you goes a long way.” Robinson recognized Morgan as the kid who’d thanked him when the two crossed paths about 20 years later.“And all I can say, Ernie, is thank you,” Barkley said.Smith reminded the desk that “it’s not the last day,” and Barkley answered, “No, we’ve got another season to go!” Smith then stood and called for “a standing ovation.”Why does Johnson’s exit decide Barkley’s?NBA TV analyst Charles Barkley talks on set before game three of the 2024 NBA Finals | Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY SportsBarkley has floated retirement before, including when TNT lost its NBA rights, and he returned each time. So doubts followed when he told podcast host Bill Simmons in September, “Me and Ernie are a package deal,” and O’Neal said earlier this month, “I don’t believe that.”Barkley then narrowed his exit to one condition before the season opener. “The only thing that could change my mind is if Ernie decides to stay,” he said in a radio interview.Johnson’s announcement removed that possibility. He cited a “heart issue” he’s dealt with for nearly two years and bypass surgery 14 months ago, though he said he isn’t retiring from broadcasting and will keep working March Madness for TNT and CBS.MORE: NBA legend Charles Barkley plans to step back from public life‘Inside the NBA’ farewell season scheduleTNT broadcaster Ernie Johnson Jr. after the 2022 NBA All-Star Game at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. | Kyle Terada-USA TODAY