ESPN has introduced a refreshed “NBA Countdown” lineup for the 2024–25 season, marking a noticeable shift in its NBA coverage.
The network confirmed that the updated panel will debut on Wednesday night, featuring Malika Andrews as host alongside senior reporter Brian Windhorst, 2023 NBA Championship coach Michael Malone, and former NBA champion Kendrick Perkins. ESPN’s senior NBA insider Shams Charania will also continue making regular contributions to the show.
According to the announcement, the revamped team will guide viewers through pregame analysis and halftime coverage during selected NBA on ESPN broadcasts throughout the season.
One of the major talking points is the absence of Stephen A. Smith, who has not appeared on the program during the preseason or the early regular-season schedule. ESPN has not provided an official explanation, and Smith has not commented publicly on the change.
The update comes at a time when ESPN is integrating elements of the celebrated “Inside the NBA” broadcast, following TNT’s loss of NBA rights. The well-known crew—Charles Barkley, Shaquille O’Neal, Kenny Smith, and Ernie Johnson—has already begun appearing during ESPN’s high-profile game coverage and will play a key role throughout the NBA playoffs and Finals.
Despite stepping back from “NBA Countdown,” Stephen A. Smith remains one of ESPN’s most prominent voices. He continues to lead “First Take,” where he also serves as an executive producer. Smith recently signed a new deal with the network valued at roughly $21 million annually.
Outside of ESPN, Smith hosts two shows on SiriusXM Radio and runs “The Stephen A. Smith Show” on YouTube through his own production company. What’s next for the famous NBA Journalist?
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