Overview
- ESPN announced a revamped Countdown lineup of host Malika Andrews with Brian Windhorst, Michael Malone and Kendrick Perkins, plus regular contributions from Shams Charania.
- The new studio team debuts Wednesday, November 19, at 6:30 p.m. ET for select NBA on ESPN game nights this season.
- Smith is not part of the regular 2025–26 Countdown roster, with earlier reporting indicating he could still make occasional appearances during marquee events.
- He remains under a multi-year, high-value ESPN deal and a separate SiriusXM agreement, continuing as the lead on First Take and across other projects.
- The move comes as ESPN reshapes its NBA studio strategy, including integration of Inside the NBA talent and Malone’s addition in a full-time analyst role, prompting online chatter labeling the shift a demotion.