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New York Post
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- New York Post
How Shams Charania's top ESPN job has impacted his personal life: ‘Had to walk out on dates'
ESPN NBA insider Shams Charania painted a bleak picture about what it's like to have a job that's 24/7. While discussing work/life balance with fellow ESPNers — reporter Jeremy Schaap, MLB insider Jeff Passan and NFL insider Adam Schefter — Charania explained that his social life has suffered significantly due to his career. 'I've had to walk out on dates, like I've had to walk out on a lot of social events,' Charania said during ESPN's 'The Sports Reporters' on Thursday. 'My friends don't really like me. That's why it's very hard to have a consistent relationship because you know the time that requires and you know the time that they deserve, rightfully. And there are just moments where I'm just always going to choose this as of right now.' Charania was the only one in the conversation who isn't married with children. 'Shams, I try to find balance, I do my very best,' Passan said. 'And I have kids, it becomes different at that point. I hope for your sake that you can find that at some point too because as obsessive as we have to be, there needs to be something else … whether you find that something else in kids or otherwise, you gotta find it because this job will kill you.' 3 ESPN NBA insider Shams Charania painted a bleak picture about what it's like to have a job that's 24/7. YouTube/ESPN Schefter added, 'I relish those moments when the phone is not ringing and we're sitting around enjoying peaceful moments and I can get through a show or streaming without being interrupted.' Charania explained that one way he's able to 'get away' and unplug — to an extent — is by spending time with his family. 3 Shams Charania during the 2025 NBA Draft, round two, on June 26, 2025 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. NBAE via Getty Images 'My whole family is in Chicago and I'm in Chicago,' he said. 'We're all in very close proximity. It's the little things.' He admitted that he's 'not fully present' during family activities, such as pickleball and mini golf — and recalled lasting 10 minutes during a pickleball game before the start of NBA free agency. 'I was just literally pacing on the field for … 50 or 60 minutes, because that's just what it is,' Charania said. '… My family is gracious enough where as long as I'm in their presence, they don't make me feel bad and I think having those types of people around me allows me to keep going.' Charania began working as an insider in his early college days. 3 Shams Charania on his phone during the 2025 NBA Draft on June 26, 2025 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. NBAE via Getty Images While his friends were partying and going out, Charania was attending various events and glued to his phone and computer. What was once a dream of playing in the NBA turned into a passion for reporting and hustling behind the scenes to break the biggest news stories around the league. During an interview with The Post in 2022, Charania explained that he wasn't interested in starting a family because his mind was consumed by work. 'Not right now,' he said at the time. 'I live such a crazy schedule. I'm 24/7/365. It would definitely take the right person. I have colleagues at The Athletic and Stadium [his employer at the time] who have spouses and I don't get how they do it. 'I look at myself now, and I can't even imagine having a wife or child. I barely have time for myself! I'm sure, one day, my priorities might change, but right now it's work, work, work, family, work, work. That's what consumes my mind.'
Yahoo
28-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
"You gotta be a role model, and things outside the lines matter" - Perkins on why Edwards can't be considered the face of the league
ESPN NBA analyst Kendrick Perkins came out with a hot take during a recent First Take segment about Anthony Edwards and why he feels that he was crowned the face of the league too soon. According to the former player, "Ant-Man" still has much growing up to do, and his track record off the court doesn't indicate that he's someone worth looking up to. Advertisement "You gotta check the boxes when you're the face of the league," said Perkins. "Yes, we know you gotta have a signature shoe, you're going to be in commercials, you're going to have the highlights, you gotta have the game, but you know what else you gotta have? You gotta be a role model, and things outside the lines matter." Perk has one pointer for Ant Speaking of his track record off the court, "Big Perk" pointed out that Edwards' messy paternity drama is preventing him from having a clean reputation. After all, the Minnesota Timberwolves guard is rumored to be associated with three different women with whom he shares three different children. So far, the three-time All-Star has only acknowledged his daughter Aislynn, whom he shares with his baby mother, Shannon Jackson. Advertisement "Now, if you go down the list of all the faces of the league in the history of the game, you look at Larry Bird, Magic Johnson, Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, Shaq, LeBron, Steph, what do they all have in common? While they were playing in the league they all were family men. They all were married with kids, and if you don't think that plays a role as far as the role model this is facts," said Perkins. Another former NBA player and current analyst, Charles Barkley, backed up Perkins' claim about why it was wrong to crown the 6'3 "guard out of the University of Georgia the face of the league too early. But "Sir Charles" didn't focus on Ant's reputation off the court and instead implied that he has yet to prove anything so far in his young career besides two Western Conference Finals appearances. Related: "I'm hoping this is a wake-up call for Brunson" - Charles Barkley thinks the Knicks play better when Jalen Brunson gets off the ball The face of the league should happen organically In fairness to Wolves guard, he has said multiple times that he doesn't want to be the face of the NBA, even if the likes of Carmelo Anthony, Draymond Green, and Dwyane Wade have encouraged him to just accept the label. But the thing about being the face of the NBA is that the consumers of the basketball product — in this case, analysts and fans — are the ones who crown that guy. Advertisement The Georgia product just happens to be a rising elite superstar with a charming and hilarious personality that many are drawn to, which is why his name is constantly brought up in conversations. Some, like Perkins, believe that it shouldn't be the case, and a few think the opposite. Ultimately, it'll still be Edwards' decision and how he plans to approach the rest of his career. Related: "I didn't get enough shots to say I struggled" - Anthony Edwards pushes back on criticism after 16-point performance in Game 4 loss
Yahoo
27-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
'They're turning into a destination': Shams Charania is talking about the Indiana Pacers?!
Pro athletes often dream of playing in Los Angeles, New York and Miami. How about Indiana? ESPN NBA reporter Shams Charania believes the tide is turning toward the Pacers, who are in the Eastern Conference Finals for the second straight year. Advertisement Charania joined the "Pat McAfee Show" just outside Gainbridge Fieldhouse on Tuesday to discuss all things NBA. The Pacers lead the New York Knicks 2-1 with Game 4 coming Tuesday night. "They're turning into a destination," Charania said. "That's a big statement. Players look at Tyrese Haliburton, look at Pascal Siakam, look at what the front office has done. They've been so good at identifying 'dogs' — identifying players they know want to win and want to compete." Pacers seek a bounce back: Pacers 'have to be a lot better in a lot of areas' Siakam made the NBA All-Star Game this season, and Haliburton earned third-team All-NBA honors. Advertisement Indiana trusts its bench as much as any NBA team, and Charania believes that will appeal to players seeking a fresh start. This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: ESPN NBA insider Shams Charania thinks Pacers are a destination team
Indianapolis Star
27-05-2025
- Sport
- Indianapolis Star
'They're turning into a destination': Shams Charania is talking about the Indiana Pacers?!
Pro athletes often dream of playing in Los Angeles, New York and Miami. How about Indiana? ESPN NBA reporter Shams Charania believes the tide is turning toward the Pacers, who are in the Eastern Conference Finals for the second straight year. Charania joined the "Pat McAfee Show" just outside Gainbridge Fieldhouse on Tuesday to discuss all things NBA. The Pacers lead the New York Knicks 2-1 with Game 4 coming Tuesday night. "They're turning into a destination," Charania said. "That's a big statement. Players look at Tyrese Haliburton, look at Pascal Siakam, look at what the front office has done. They've been so good at identifying 'dogs' — identifying players they know want to win and want to compete." Pacers seek a bounce back: Pacers 'have to be a lot better in a lot of areas' Siakam made the NBA All-Star Game this season, and Haliburton earned third-team All-NBA honors.
Newsweek
02-05-2025
- Sport
- Newsweek
Grizzlies Make NBA History With Franchise's New Head Coach
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. The Memphis Grizzlies have announced the next head coach of the team, naming interim Tuomas Iisalo as the permanent coach. This comes weeks after the team let go of Taylor Jenkins just before the postseason. ESPN NBA insider Shams Charania reported the news on social media. Iisalo had a 14-year professional career as a player in Finland before beginning a long coaching career. He won the EuroCup and EuroCup coach of the year in 2024 before joining the Grizzlies. — Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) May 2, 2025 This article will be updated...
