ESPN recently announced its lineup for this season’s “NBA Countdown.” Malika Andrews will lead the show, joined by former Nuggets head coach Mike Malone, Brian Windhorst, Shams Charania, and Kendrick Perkins. However, one notable absence is Stephen A. Smith, who was not mentioned as part of the lineup.

Stephen A. Smith has been a regular on the show since its days as “NBA Shootaround.” His removal comes as a surprise, especially since he signed an extension last summer. However, this change is not a demotion or a firing; instead, it reflects a planned reduction in his participation. According to Awful Announcing, upon signing his new contract, it was anticipated that Smith’s role would decrease.

Andrew Marchand from The Athletic noted in March that “Smith will not be a regular on ESPN’s

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