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Pat McAfee has a suggestion for ESPN’s replacement of Adrian Wojnarowski. He didn’t have to go far to find him!
He wants the network to consider Shams Charania, whom he refers to as his “NBA Guy,” in regard to breaking news.
That suggestion won’t come as a shock to most. Charania has made a living providing basketball viewers with inside scoops over the years, though he’s shared the spotlight in a rivalry of sorts with Wojnarowski.
Woj recently announced his retirement from the NBA game, making a surprise move to the NCAA as a General Manager. He’ll soon assist St. Bonaventure, his alma mater, with recruiting and NIL as they relate to the hoops program.
Charania seems the logical place to look in terms of finding a replacement.
The insider has made a name for himself after “Woj” laid a foundation in the breaking news field. He’s previously worked with Stadium, though his time with the company ended in August of this year.
His current contract with The Athletic is set to expire soon, too.
Shams Charania’s contract with The Athletic expires this year, per @nypost
Should be a crazy bidding war 👀
(h/t @FOS ) pic.twitter.com/6gt2QMWrKP
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) September 18, 2024
With the news breaker becoming a free agent, there’s no doubt ESPN will make a run at landing his services. He already has one potential co-worker in his corner!
Pat McAfee lobbied for Shams Charania at ESPN.
.@ShamsCharania is the answer #PMSLive pic.twitter.com/1vzpyTEEMj
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) September 18, 2024
The sports show host was heard giving his recommendation on Wednesday.
“We do know another person who’s incredibly handsome, good on TV, plugged, currently a free agent I believe… Shams Charania. Shams Charania is the answer…
“He’s great on our show. He can handle anything. He’s seemingly plugged into everything.”
-Pat McAfee
McAfee noted that there is some bias in his recommendation. Shams Charania is “his guy.”
Though he and Wojnarowski worked alongside one another at ESPN, McAfee chose Charania as his trusted NBA source – Not Woj.
He also took a bit of a shot at his colleague after the Los Angeles Lakers’ coaching search came to an end.
Charania was adamant that JJ Redick was the guy throughout the process. Wojnarowski believed Dan Hurley to be a late favorite. McAfee made sure to take a victory lap when Redick was hired over the offseason.
Shams Charania will undoubtedly be ESPN’s top target. They’ll certainly have competition as he’s now the No. 1 scoop provider in the NBA.
It will be music to Pat McAfee’s ears should he get the gig.