Longtime “Inside the NBA” host Ernie Johnson announced Wednesday that this season behind the desk will be his last, ending a career that made him one of the most prominent voices of pro basketball.

Johnson thanked show staff and co-hosts Shaquille O’Neal, Kenny Smith and Charles Barkley, calling his “Inside the NBA” gig as the ultimate “get-to” position for the past 37 years.

“I’ve long described it as a ‘get-to job.’ I’m still amazed that I get to do this for a living,” Johnson said. “It’s been an honor to share so many nights, decades actually, at the desk with my brothers — Kenny, Charles and Shaq — and with our production crews who are so talented and devoted. And I so appreciate the leadership at TNT and ESPN for allowing the show to continue.”

At age 70, Johnson said the homework he needs to do for every show had become enough a burden to make 2027 the year to step away.

The host has been fighting heart disease for at least two years and underwent bypass surgery 14 months ago. He also was previously diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, a cancer of the lymphatic system, in 2003, and prostate cancer in 2019.

“So why now?” Johnson said. “Total honesty here. I’ve always prided myself on my preparation. The hours I put in every day, getting ready for the next show. I’ve always loved that part of my job. But I’ve always vowed that if that ever became more of a challenge than it is a joy, then I’ll know it’s time to step away.”

He added: “I know after 37 seasons, it’s time.”

Johnson’s stint on “Inside the NBA” began in 1990 on TNT and TBS before the show moved to ESPN last year.

Smith joined the show full-time in 1998 before Barkley was added in 2000 and then O’Neal in 2011.

Johnson’s retirement also throws in question Barkley’s future as a broadcaster. Barkley has called the two of them “a package deal,” and the 63-year-old former Philadelphia 76er, Phoenix Sun and Houston Rocket appeared to fight back tears as he thanked Johnson for all his work.

“That was tough,” Barkley said on ESPN’s “NBA Tip Off.” “We knew the day was coming, still tough. (I’ve) been here for 26, 27 years and it’s been an honor and privilege to work with you all this time.”

Barkley said when he meets fans off camera, they always want to know more about his co-workers.

“ ‘Where’s Shaq and where’s Kenny,’ like I keep them in my damn back pocket,” Barkley said. “But the question I’m probably asked the most is, ‘Is Ernie Johnson as good a person as he seems?’ And I say, ‘Man, he’s better than that.’ ”

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