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Chat Reel: Ernie Johnson

TNT analyst talks All-Star weekend predictions

CNNSI Host: Welcome to today's NBA All-Star chat with Ernie Johnson. Welcome, Ernie!
Ernie Johnson: Thanks for having me guys.

From Ras in Regina: What's up, EJ? I want to know what you think about Vince Carter and his decision to play even though he is hurt.
Ernie Johnson: I'm glad he's decided to play. The other night he had a big game and said he never felt better, so there's no reason for him not to be there Sunday. I do wish he would have agreed to dunk though. His performance last year is what makes it a great event, and I think he could still win it, even on one leg.

From boogotshot: Ernie, how are you? Could you tell us what is up with Steve Nash? He's having a great season, but when do you expect him to return to the lineup?
Ernie Johnson: I'm doing well, thank you. Steve Nash has a hamstring problem right now, and those things are always touchy. He's day-to-day, and the only way to get it better is to just rest it. He's a huge reason, along with Dirk Nowitzki and Michael Finley, that the Mavs are doin' what they're doin'.

From Elaine in Pembroke Pines, Fla.: How did Kenny get the nickname "The Jet"? I think you guys do a great job, you are knowledgeable, funny and keep the audience engaged. I like the analysis, and I think Charles is a good addition. Keep up the good work.
Ernie Johnson: I believe Kenny got that name back in New York in his high school days. It had been all but forgotten, when one of our play-by-play guys, Kevin Harlan, called him "The Jet" one night, and we just ran with it. Thanks for the kind words on the show. We're having a great time, and Charles is as outrageous on TV as he was during his playing days.

From barkleyfan: Have you ever played golf with Charles? If so, what do you think of his game?
Ernie Johnson: I have not had the chance to play with Charles yet, but we plan to on one of his visits to Atlanta. He claims he can beat me, but I'm not so sure. We've all seen him play on TV with that indescribable swing. He says that happens because he gets nervous playing in front of galleries, and is much better when he's knockin' 'em around with friends. Yeah, right.

From Kim: EJ, who do you think will win the 3-point shootout now that Jeff Hornacek has retired?
Ernie Johnson: That's a tough call. I really like Dirk Nowitzki's touch from out there, but I'm leaning toward either Allan Houston or Ray Allen.

From RAPHEC1: Ernie, which All-Star are you going to miss not being able to see perform this weekend?
Ernie Johnson: I guess we can't include Michael Jordan, can we? I guess it would have to be Alonzo Mourning, because he was voted in by the fans, and if it was remotely possible he'd be there. I'd love to see the NBA give him some kind of role on Sunday.

From mrcake: Hi Ernie, first of all, I love your show with The Jet. Do you think Vlade Divac is worthy of an All-Star spot? If you go by centers, Marc Jackson of the Golden State Warriors is having a better year than he is.
Ernie Johnson: Marc Jackson is having a good season, and he'll be playing in the Rookie Challenge Saturday afternoon. I think Vlade is deserving because he's on a very talented Sacramento team, which has had the best record in the West for much of the season. He's also been in the league for a dozen years, and this is his first appearance. I don't have a problem with it.

From Tough: What do you think of the Piston's chances of signing Chris Webber in the offseason?
Ernie Johnson: I think Detroit has one edge in that it's Chris' home, but that's just one of the factors that will enter into C. Webb's decision. He'll be looking at the long-range possibilities of a ring, too, and right now Sacramento is a better fit. I'd personally like to see him stay put because it builds a loyalty factor that's missing in all pro sports.

From Cwebb: Hello, Ernie, I watch Inside the NBA all the time -- keep up the good work. Who's your pick to win the slam-dunk contest?
Ernie Johnson: First of all, thanks for watching. I'm going with Baron Davis. He's the shortest of the six in the contest, and he's got springs. It just seems like the smaller guys get up higher for some reason, and he's got power.

From Bubba: Do the rookies stand a chance against the sophomore team that won this same game last year?
Ernie Johnson: Sure, I think so. The sophomores have been there before, and for the first timers there's a little something to prove. But just looking at the rosters, I'd have to take the sophs with Francis... Marion... Brand, etc.

From SirErnie: Hi, Ernie! I am a devoted fan of the show and, like everyone else, love the addition of Charles to the studio. My question is, how much time are you able to spend with NBA players and coaches off the air?
Ernie Johnson: I try to spend time before the telecast with all the guests who come in, just to explain our approach to the show, etc., and try to make them as comfortable as possible. Some have limited experience on TV, and I just try to put them at ease about what we're doing. Once the game begins, I have to sit on the set to do cut-ins, but I'll sneak back to the viewing room where they're watching the games to see if anything has happened that night that will get them talking. Having coaches and players in the studio during the playoffs is the best part of the job.

From barkleyfan: EJ, you are a fantastic broadcaster. What advice do you have for current college students trying to get into the broadcasting field?
Ernie Johnson: Thanks for the kind words. My advice is always to get as much hands-on experience as you can while in school. I worked at a radio station while attending the University of Georgia. Also, don't limit yourself to thinking, "I want to be a play-by-play man for the Knicks, and that's all I'll settle for." I started as a newscaster before switching to sports.

From sixerfan: Do you feel the Sixers are a legitimate contender for the NBA championship, once they get everyone healthy, such as Toni Kukoc, Eric Snow and Matt Geiger?
Ernie Johnson: I feel an Eastern Conference title is certainly a strong possibility. Getting Snow back is key, and having big bodies like Geiger is a factor, too, if they have to meet Shaq, for instance, in the finals. What the Sixers do have that few teams do is a guy like Iverson who can take over a game.

CNNSI Host: That's all the time we have today with Ernie Johnson. Thanks for joining us and enjoy the All-Star weekend!
Ernie Johnson: Thank you for having me, and thanks for the questions. Check us out Saturday on TNT. We're on from 3:00 that afternoon until 11 that night.

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