After Adrian Wojnarowski‘s departure from ESPN to turn into the final supervisor of St. Bonaventure’s males’s basketball program, there’s been plenty of buzz about who would possibly step into his sneakers because the go-to NBA insider for the community. One title that is been floating round is Adam Schefter, identified for his NFL protection. In keeping with Michael McCarthy at Entrance Workplace Sports activities, Schefter is being thought-about for the position of ESPN’s senior NBA insider whereas nonetheless preserving his NFL duties. They’re calling it the “Final Insider” gig.
Now, this is not a performed deal by any means. McCarthy talked about that it is nonetheless early days, however each Schefter and ESPN have an interest within the risk. It might undoubtedly be a giant change for Schefter, who already has his palms full with NFL information. However let’s be actual, it might additionally include a pleasant bump in his $9 million-a-year paycheck.
Schefter has truly dabbled in NBA protection earlier than, sometimes doing sideline reporting for video games. So it is not completely out of left discipline. Plus, there is a clause in his contract that permits him to work as an NBA sideline reporter, so it looks like he is had his eye on the basketball courtroom for some time.
However Schefter is not the one one within the working. In keeping with The Athletic’s Andrew Marchand, Jeff Passan, who’s at the moment ESPN’s MLB insider, can also be a contender. If he will get the gig, he’d shift gears from baseball to focus solely on the NBA. That is a fairly large transfer in itself.
May Adam Schefter transition from NFL to NBA?
After which there’s Shams Charania, who Marchand identified as one other prime candidate. Charania is a giant title in NBA information and left Stadium earlier this 12 months. His contracts with The Athletic and FanDuel TV are additionally up for renewal quickly, so he might be on the lookout for a brand new house at ESPN.
After all, there are different acquainted faces at ESPN who might step as much as the plate as properly. Ramona Shelburne, Brian Windhorst, and Tim Bontemps all have the chops to tackle an even bigger position in NBA protection.
It is undoubtedly an thrilling time for NBA information at ESPN with all these potential adjustments within the works. As for Schefter, it appears like he is open to the thought of diving into the world of basketball. The truth is, he as soon as mentioned, “I’ve at all times had a ardour for the NBA.” So perhaps this might be his probability to deliver that keenness to the forefront.
As for ESPN, they have some powerful choices forward, however it’s clear they’re dedicated to preserving their NBA protection top-notch. As one insider put it, “The community is aware of how vital it’s to have a robust workforce of insiders, particularly within the aggressive world of NBA reporting.” And with huge names like Schefter and Charania doubtlessly within the combine, it appears to be like like they’re aiming excessive.
