ESPN Unveils New NBA Countdown Team Without Stephen A. Smith

ESPN has officially rolled out its new NBA Countdown team, and the change has surprised longtime viewers. Malika Andrews leads the updated lineup and includes Brian Windhorst, Kendrick Perkins, and Michael Malone. While the network promised a refreshed approach to the 2024 to 2025 NBA season, the biggest shock was the absence of Stephen A. Smith. For the first time in more than two decades, he will not be part of ESPN’s marquee NBA pregame show.

Fans immediately noticed that Stephen A. Smith had not appeared on NBA Countdown during the preseason or the beginning of the regular season. ESPN explained that the company is expanding its basketball coverage after securing the rights to bring in Inside the NBA with Charles Barkley, Shaquille O Neal, Kenny Smith, and Ernie Johnson. With such iconic personalities joining the network, ESPN executives made significant adjustments to its basketball programming structure.

Even though Stephen A. Smith will not be seated at the NBA Countdown table this season, he is not going anywhere. Earlier this year, he signed a five year, 105 million dollar extension with ESPN, ensuring his continued presence across several major platforms. Fans can still expect him on First Take and other signature ESPN projects. The network has made it clear that Smith remains a cornerstone of its brand, even as it shifts its NBA coverage strategy.