Ranking ESPN's top three candidates to replace Adrian Wojnarowski

Losing Wojnarowski is a hammer blow to ESPN so close to the new NBA season. Only Shams Charania is at a similar level regarding insider connections and respect from the wider NBA fan base. However, ESPN does have options available to it. 

According to the New York Post, Charania is entering the final year of his current deal with The Athletic. As such, he will be a prime candidate to replace Wojnarowski next year. Nevertheless, ESPN has other options who could potentially step into the role immediately. Outside of Charania, here are the top three replacements to step in for Wojnarowski.

Jake Fischer | Yahoo Sports

Fischer is a well-respected figure within NBA media who has earned his stripes with SB Nation, Bleacher Report and now Yahoo Sports. He's a known insider with connections around the NBA. Moving to ESPN would likely increase his ability to get scoops and become one of the leading news-breakers in the NBA. He already has enough experience and respect to seamlessly slot into the role and begin making a bigger name for himself. 

Chris Haynes | Bleacher Report, "NBA on TNT"

Haynes is a titan in NBA circles. He's had stops with some of the most prominent news outlets in the world, including Bleacher Report, TNT and Yahoo Sports, among others. He is a well-respected figure in NBA media, both by fans and players. 

If ESPN needs a ready-made replacement who could quickly fill some of the void left behind by Wojnarowski, Haynes may be the best option, especially if he can leverage Wojnarowski's contacts to help bridge any potential gap. 

Brian Windhorst | ESPN 

Windhorst has been ESPN's second insider for years. He's well-connected around the NBA, highly respected and already has a deep understanding of how ESPN works and what it expects from its employees. He would easily step into a bigger role within the company while reducing any potential transition period. 

Whether Windhorst would be willing to make the step up is another question entirely. Currently, he is a regular on "First Take," "NBA Today" and his "The Hoop Collective" podcast. As such, he may not want the additional workload, especially if he's settled with his current role. 

Honorable mentions: Outside of the names listed above, ESPN could also turn to veteran reporters such as Zach Lowe, Keith Smith, Stephen A. Smith and Max Kellerman or look to elevate someone from in-house and develop them over the coming season. Replacing Wojnarowski will be a tall order regardless of what the company decides to do.