The biggest shock regarding ESPN's headline-grabbing shift to its NBA coverage isn't who they added, but rather who they quietly removed. As the newly assembled NBA Countdown team took the air, fans quickly realized one major absence: Stephen A. Smith.

This week, the network confirmed its revamped lineup and brought into question Smith's evolving role.

ESPN's New NBA Countdown Cast Takes Center Stage

Stephen A. Smith

ESPN announced its revamped NBA Countdown roster, led by third-year host Malika Andrews, back with an even stronger analyst group. The desk now includes veteran NBA reporter Brian Windhorst, 2023 NBA Champion head coach Michael Malone, and former NBA champion Kendrick Perkins.

The network also confirmed that Shams Charania, ESPN's senior NBA insider, will continue to appear regularly to add even more reporting power to the broadcast.

This revamped lineup will oversee pregame and halftime coverage on certain NBA on ESPN game nights this season. It somehow signals a strategic change in the way the network intends to frame its storytelling and analysis.

Stephen A. Smith's Absence Raises Eyebrows

More than the star-studded lineup, what really got the attention of viewers was the absence of Stephen A. Smith, who has never appeared on NBA Countdown either during the preseason or the regular season.

The shake-up has come, though Smith, a long-time ESPN icon and the face of First Take, has not spoken publicly about it. An executive producer on the show, he is no longer part of the on-air team this season, raising the thought that perhaps ESPN is shifting him toward a more focused role within its programming.

His new deal, reportedly worth $21 million, makes him one of the highest-paid personalities in sports media, which makes his disappearance from the NBA desk even more surprising.

Why ESPN Is Adjusting Its NBA Coverage

It's no coincidence, according to The New York Post. ESPN recently absorbed Inside the NBA, as TNT lost its long-standing NBA rights. With stars like Charles Barkley, Shaquille O'Neal, Kenny Smith, and Ernie Johnson appearing on ESPN's biggest broadcasts, the network is leaning heavily into proven chemistry and fan-favorite personalities.

ESPN plans to have the TNT crew remain a major part of both its playoff and NBA Finals coverage, blending in the established voices with fresh perspectives.