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.ESPN’s NBA coverage has come under fire over the yearsGettyOne 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 2003 when it was known as NBA Shootaround, and he’s been a key anchor of the revamped NBA Countdown since 2021.However, it has been reported that Smith’s exit has been expected ever since he signed that $105million contract earlier this year.For once, he is now taking something off his plate instead of adding to it and doing so on his own terms.It’s nearly the opposite of what ESPN is doing with one of its biggest Inside the NBA stars. But for Smith, this was always the plan.Back in March, when Smith’s contract was leaked, The Athletic’s Andrew Marchand had the key detail.“Smith will not be a regular on ESPN’s premiere NBA pregame show anymore,” Marchand wrote.“Though he could still make occasional appearances on top basketball studio programs, as well as the Monday Night Football pregame or during other big time events.”On any given day, you’re likely to catch Smith on the radio or TVGettySmith’s fame and popularity has all only risen over the last decadeGettySo while Smith won’t be a full-time member of NBA Countdown, that doesn’t mean he won’t make appearances. In all likelihood, he’ll be back a handful of times.From a big-picture perspective, it makes sense. Smith not only has his First Take responsibilities but has also launched multiple Sirius XM shows. Lightening his load elsewhere was inevitable.There’s been some debate that the general audience has experienced a bit of Smith fatigue, so it’s likely better for everyone that he can take a break from one of the network’s biggest shows and focus on his own projects.