Replacement For Adrian Wojnarowski At ESPN Has Emerged
Adrian Wojnarowski's decision to retire this week sent shockwaves through the NBA and sports media worlds.
Wojnarowski revolutionized sports reporting through his use of social media, breaking stories to the masses who eagerly awaited his next message. He was aware that news could break at any time, and that he could grow as a journalist by being the first to a given story.
Wojnarowski's departure leaves ESPN without a top NBA insider with just a few weeks left until the start of the regular season. There are a few options, but the heir apparent for Woj could come in the form of insiders who are already with the network.
One source told Front Office Sports that longtime NBA reporter Brian Windhorst is "criminally underrated" and that he could be a top internal candidate to replace Wojnarowski.
Some even say that Woj's retirement could open the door for Windhorst to have a bigger role, as he was often overshadowed by the recently retired insider.
Shams Charania of The Athletic and Stadium has been Woj's main competitor for years now, and he's set to become a free agent in just a few months.
A lucrative deal from ESPN could be on the table, as the network would get a very similar insider to Wojnarowski in terms of scope and trust from NBA fans.
Pat McAfee has advocated for Charania to get the job, as the younger insider is a frequent guest on his show.
BOSTON, MA - JUNE 10: ESPN Sideline Reporter Brian Windhorst looks on before the game between the Golden State Warriors and the Boston Celtics during Game Four of the 2022 NBA Finals on June 10, 2022 at TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts.
“Sham Charania’s the answer. I know there’s conversations happening. People are going to say that this is obviously who we are going to say. But if you take our bias out of this conversation, there’s only one answer. It’s Shams Charania," McAfee said.
Charania and Turner Sports' Chris Haynes are among the top candidates from outside of ESPN to join the network. With the future of the NBA's rights moving away from TNT, it may make sense for journalists like Haynes to consider moving to ESPN.
We'll see what happens with Woj's vacant position, and if ESPN will be able to match his output, influence and standing within the league and its fans.
