ESPN adjusted its NBA coverage this week and Stephen A. Smith ’s role shifted in a major way. The network rolled out its “new-look NBA Countdown team,” led by Malika Andrews with Brian Windhorst, Kendrick Perkins and Michael Malone. Shams Charania will continue to appear regularly , giving the show a strong reporting presence. Smith, however, did not appear on the new lineup and has not shown up on the program at all this preseason or regular season.

The move arrives as ESPN expands its NBA coverage after adding “Inside the NBA” when TNT lost its rights. Charles Barkley, Shaquille O’Neal, Kenny Smith and Ernie Johnson have already joined several ESPN broadcasts and will continue to appear throughout the postseason. Smith has not commented publicly on being removed from Countdown.

ES

See Full Page