Over the past few days, the most prominent piece of news around the NBA circuit has ironically been about a reporter. Adrian Wojnarowski, a voice everyone has become familiar with announced his abrupt retirement from ESPN. It ended a long-lasting innocent rivalry that stood between him and Shams Charania. But the latter can’t rest up easy. While breaking the news of Joel Embiid’s newest contract, ESPN might have launched their latest opponent to The Athletic insider.

Without Woj’s quick sources, Charania was the first to break the news about Embiid’s extension (technically The Process himself was first). However, only a few minutes later, ESPN senior writer Ramona Shelburne debunked the various details around the contract negotiations. It seems she has been nominated to take the place of Adrian Wojnarowski.

Shelburne has worked with ESPN since 2009. Her career began as a senior writer exclusively covering the Los Angeles teams. An award-winning journalist, Shelburne has regularly contributed as an insider for ESPN. Now, she has become the headline news breaker alluding to her past talents and history within the company.

Unsurprisingly, rather than Joel Embiid’s extension, NBA fans are raving about the new media rivalry that is allegedly set to take place for the seasons to come.

NBA fans have alarmed Shams Charania about not resting so soon

From the time Woj announced his retirement, the NBA fans went into a slumber state. There was disappointment in the most renowned news breaker not gracing them anymore. And as Charania edged out ESPN in breaking the news about Embiid, the fans reiterated their sentiments. “Not the same without Woj” a fan wrote.

Nostalgia is bound to arise in such times. Adrian Wojnarowski broke some of the most enticing headlines around the NBA. The final “Woj bomb” came as an unforeseen surprise to the NBA fraternity. However, they aren’t giving up the nickname just yet.

As Shelburne made the announcement about Embiid, fans quickly jumped in support of her. They have already pinned her as the replacement for the former ESPN star. And it comes with a new term. “Ramona Shel-Bomb?” a fan teased.

Despite the recent buzz, ESPN still might be on a hunt. Charania’s current contract is soon to expire. According to several reports, the media giants are upping the chase to improve their NBA coverage. Chris Haynes’ name has also floated around in the conversation to replace Woj.

Until then, this could be marked as Charania’s first victory in a while. Yet, fans aren’t willing to give him the baton just yet. Without Wojnarowski’s intensifying presence, they don’t see a competition anymore. Furthermore, fans also think Shams Charania can ‘take it easy’ under the current circumstances.

“Woj retired bro u don’t gotta wake us up at 5am any more” a fan jokingly commented on Charania’s tweet. But he can’t. Ramona Shelburne was minutes away from debunking the news before the revered insider. If anything, the trending media member might have to be on high alert to ensure he holds his credibility after the departure of Woj.

As much as fans are upset, Charania might reminisce on their rivalry soon. Several of the NBA’s recognizable names expressed their sorrow at Wojnarowski’s retirement. Stephen A. Smith claims “He’s the best in the business”. The NBA community is right behind him in that regard.

“Knowing Woj would’ve reported this first…” a fan pondered while posting a video embodying their frustrations. But Adrian Wojnarowski is heading to a better place. After dedicating seven years of his life being on top of every NBA news, he is moving to his alma mater, St. Bonaventure to serve as the GM of their basketball team.

While his tenure ends, Wojnarowski is simply heading back to his team.