Former ESPN senior NBA insider Adrian Wojnarowski had nothing but love for his former colleague and industry rival, Shams Charania , who recently announced he was moving to ESPN to take over the mantle left by his former mentor.
Woj, as he is popularly known, shocked the world last September when he announced he was leaving the Worldwide Leader to take the general manager position of the men’s basketball squad of his alma mater, St. Bonaventure. Plenty of media personalities were rumored to take over the position left by Wojnarowski, but it was ultimately Charania who got the nod.
Wished Shams well
Charania, who made a name for himself as an NBA insider at The Athletic and Stadium, had competed with Woj for years, especially when breaking news stories happened. But despite their professional rivalry, the two have always maintained a friendly relationship. In fact, Wojnarowski spoke on The Jim Rome Show to offer Shams his well-wishes.
“Shams texted me after I announced my retirement, and what I told him is what I would say today—that I hope he has as fulfilling and as rewarding a career as I’ve had. I certainly wish that for him,” Adrian said .
Charania’s move to ESPN places enormous pressure on the shoulders of the 30-year-old native of Chicago, Illinois, who got his start in the business when Woj hired him at Yahoo Sports. The two went their separate ways when Adrian joined ESPN while Shams signed with The Athletic. With the NBA set to tip off its new season, all eyes will be on Charania as he tries to fill the big shoes left behind by Woj at ESPN.
Lots of great talent at ESPN
Wojnarowski added that Shams will be happy to know he’s joining a company filled with the best of the best in sports media.
“He’s right about the incredible group of colleagues he’s going to find at ESPN—the best of the best, incredible reporters and on-air talent,” the 55-year-old revealed.
“For me, that was always the best part of working at ESPN—the colleagues who elevate you. You’re around the best of the best, and that was true on the NBA side, and it was true being around Schefter, Thamel, Passan, and those guys. So, I wish him the best, and he’s got a great team around him at ESPN."
While NBA and sports fans will miss the rivalry between the two tenacious reporters, they’re in good and capable hands with Shams taking over at ESPN.
Related: McAfee claims he lobbied for Shams to get Woj's old job: "Whatever god, universe you believe in, there is a prince who was promised"
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