The worldwide leader’s biggest star is no longer involved with one of the network’s flagship programs.

ESPN unveiled its revamped NBA Countdown line-up ahead of Wednesday night’s debut, highlighting a refreshed panel featuring Kendrick Perkins, Michael Malone, Brian Windhorst and Shams Charania alongside host Malika Andrews.

One could question just how 'refreshed' the panel really is, since most members, aside from Malone, have been around for a while, but the network is trying to rebrand it nonetheless.

They’re all big names in their own right, but the most striking detail was the omission of one: Stephen A. Smith.

It stood out because Smith had been connected to the show, in one form or another, for over two decades.

He’s been part of ESPN’s NBA coverage going all the way back to

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