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Kenny Smith, nicknamed The Jet, is a retired American basketball player who played in the NBA from 1987 to 1997. Smith played for several teams, including the Sacramento Kings, Atlanta Hawks, and Houston Rockets, with whom he won back-to-back NBA championships. Smith was also a successful college basketball player at the University of North Carolina, where he was named a Consensus All-American in 1987. After his playing career, Smith became a basketball commentator and analyst for various media outlets. He has been inducted into the New York City Basketball Hall of Fame in 2000, but some debate exists about whether he will be inducted into the NBA Hall of Fame as a player or commentator.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Kenneth Smith |
| Nickname | The Jet |
| Born | March 8, 1965, in Brooklyn, New York City |
| High School | Archbishop Molloy High School |
| College | University of North Carolina |
| NBA Teams | Sacramento Kings, Atlanta Hawks, Houston Rockets, Detroit Pistons, Orlando Magic, Denver Nuggets |
| NBA Champion | 1994, 1995 |
| Awards/Honors | McDonald's All-American (1983), Consensus first-team All-American (1987), First-team All-ACC (1987), Second-team All-ACC (1985, 1986), Basketball Times National Player of the Year (1987), NBA All-Rookie First Team (1988) |
| Hall of Fame | New York City Basketball Hall of Fame (inducted in 2000) |
| Post-Retirement Career | Basketball commentator and analyst for TNT and CBS/Turner, host of a summer basketball camp in Chapel Hill, North Carolina |
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What You'll Learn
Kenny Smith's career as a basketball player
Kenny Smith, nicknamed "The Jet", is a former professional basketball player in the National Basketball Association (NBA). Smith played in the NBA from 1987 to 1997 as a member of the Sacramento Kings, Atlanta Hawks, Houston Rockets, Detroit Pistons, Orlando Magic, and Denver Nuggets.
Smith was born in Brooklyn, New York, on March 8, 1965, and grew up in Queens. He played some of his earliest basketball at New York's Riverside Church and at Stephen A. Halsey Junior High School in Rego Park, Queens. Smith attended Archbishop Molloy High School, where he was coached by Jack Curran, the high school coach with the most wins in New York City and New York State history. Smith was named a McDonald's All-American in 1983.
After high school, Smith played college basketball for the North Carolina Tar Heels, earning consensus first-team All-American honors as a senior in 1987. He was selected by Sacramento in the first round of the 1987 NBA draft with the sixth overall pick and was named to the NBA All-Rookie First Team with the Kings. During his time in the NBA, Smith won back-to-back NBA championships with Houston in 1994 and 1995.
After retiring from playing, Smith became a basketball commentator for the Emmy Award-winning Inside the NBA on TNT. He also works as an analyst for CBS/Turner during the NCAA Division I men's basketball tournament. Smith has also covered basketball for the 2001 Goodwill Games and occasionally appears on NBA TV as an analyst. In addition to his broadcasting career, Smith has had acting roles, playing sports agent Leon Rich in the 2022 movie Hustle, starring Adam Sandler and Juancho Hernangómez.
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Kenny Smith's career as a sports commentator
Kenny Smith is an American sports commentator and former professional basketball player in the National Basketball Association (NBA). Nicknamed "the Jet", he played in the NBA from 1987 to 1997 as a member of the Sacramento Kings, Atlanta Hawks, Houston Rockets, Detroit Pistons, Orlando Magic, and Denver Nuggets. Smith won back-to-back NBA championships with Houston in 1994 and 1995.
After retiring from his playing career, Smith became a basketball commentator for the Emmy Award-winning Inside the NBA on TNT. He has won several Emmys for his work on the show. Smith works alongside Ernie Johnson Jr., Charles Barkley, and Shaquille O'Neal. Smith also covered basketball for the 2001 Goodwill Games and occasionally appears on NBA TV as an analyst.
From 2005 to 2008, Smith provided commentary for the MSG Network's broadcasts of New York Knicks games. He is also a studio analyst for the NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Tournament on CBS/Turner. In addition, Smith is an NBA studio analyst for the Emmy Award-winning show Inside the NBA on TNT, appearing each week during the NBA season and throughout the playoffs.
Smith has also ventured into entrepreneurship, currently running the Kenny Smith Entertainment Group, a sports and entertainment events company. Additionally, he launched the Jet Academy, which offers virtual basketball camps for children. In May 2023, Smith released his first book, Talk of Champions: Stories of the People Who Made Me: A Memoir, which provides inside stories of his playing and broadcasting careers.
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Kenny Smith's career as an actor
Kenny Smith is an American sports commentator and former professional basketball player in the National Basketball Association (NBA). Nicknamed "the Jet", he played in the NBA from 1987 to 1997 as a member of the Sacramento Kings, Atlanta Hawks, Houston Rockets, Detroit Pistons, Orlando Magic, and Denver Nuggets. Smith won back-to-back NBA championships with Houston in 1994 and 1995.
Smith made his acting debut in the 2022 film Hustle, in which he played sports agent Leon Rich. The film starred Adam Sandler and Juancho Hernangómez. Smith's performance was well-received, and he has since been recognised for his work as an actor, producer, and writer.
In addition to his acting career, Smith has also had a successful career in sports commentary. After retiring from basketball, he became a basketball commentator for the Emmy Award-winning "Inside the NBA" on TNT. He has won several Emmys for his work on the show and has also worked as an analyst for CBS/Turner during the NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Tournament.
Smith's work in broadcasting has made him a household name, significantly boosting his public celebrity beyond what he had during his playing career. He has also made appearances on the Scoop B Radio Podcast and has used his platform to speak out on issues of racial injustice in America.
In October 2022, Smith signed a long-term contract extension with Warner Bros. Discovery Sports, further solidifying his career in sports media.
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Kenny Smith's personal life
Kenny Smith, nicknamed "The Jet", was born in Brooklyn, New York City, on March 8, 1965. He grew up in the Queens neighbourhood of LeFrak City, where he was introduced to basketball at New York's Riverside Church and at Stephen A. Halsey Junior High School in Rego Park, Queens. Smith attended Archbishop Molloy High School, where he was coached by the legendary Jack Curran, who holds the record for the most wins in New York City and New York State history. Smith was named a McDonald's All-American in 1983, and then played basketball at the University of North Carolina for Dean Smith.
Smith's career at North Carolina was illustrious, averaging 12.9 points and 6.0 assists per game, while shooting .512 from the field, and .823 from the free-throw line. He led North Carolina to two Elite Eight appearances (1985 and 1987) and a Sweet Sixteen appearance in 1986. They won the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) regular-season conference championships in 1984 and 1987 and tied for first in 1985. During his time at North Carolina, Smith also represented the United States in the 1986 FIBA World Championship, playing alongside future NBA stars like David Robinson and Muggsy Bogues.
Smith credits former South Carolina State star Bobby Lewis with his development as a shooter and ball-handler. Lewis's drills and training regimen had a profound influence on Smith, who continues to teach them at his own basketball camps.
After college, Smith was selected by the Sacramento Kings in the first round of the 1987 NBA draft with the sixth overall pick. He played for the Sacramento Kings from 1987 to 1990 and then had stints with the Atlanta Hawks (1990), Houston Rockets (1990-1996), Detroit Pistons (1996), Orlando Magic (1996-1997), and Denver Nuggets (1997). During his NBA career, Smith won back-to-back NBA championships with the Houston Rockets in 1994 and 1995.
Following his retirement from professional basketball, Smith transitioned into sports broadcasting, becoming a basketball commentator for the Emmy Award-winning "Inside the NBA" on TNT. He also works as an analyst for CBS/Turner during the NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Tournament. Smith signed a long-term contract extension with Warner Bros. Discovery Sports in October 2022 to continue as a host on "Inside the NBA."
In addition to his broadcasting career, Smith has made cameo appearances in films and television shows, including the 2022 movie "Hustle," in which he played sports agent Leon Rich. He is an avid golfer and frequently participates in celebrity golf tournaments. Smith is also actively involved in philanthropic endeavours, focusing on youth education and sports development programs, and he regularly engages in community outreach initiatives.
Regarding his personal life, Smith has been married twice. He has two children from his first marriage: Kayla, an R&B singer, and K.J., a basketball player who followed in his father's footsteps by playing for the University of North Carolina. Smith met his second wife, English model Gwendolyn Osborne, in 2004, and they married in 2006. They have two children together, and Smith is also a stepfather to Osborne's daughter from a previous marriage. However, Osborne filed for divorce in 2018.
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Kenny Smith's legacy
Kenny Smith, nicknamed "The Jet", is an American former professional basketball player in the National Basketball Association (NBA). Smith played in the NBA from 1987 to 1997 as a member of the Sacramento Kings, Atlanta Hawks, Houston Rockets, Detroit Pistons, Orlando Magic, and Denver Nuggets.
Smith's legacy in the NBA is defined by his pivotal role in securing two NBA championships for the Houston Rockets in 1994 and 1995. During his decade-long career, Smith showcased his talent, hard work, and dedication, leaving a lasting impact on the sport.
Smith's collegiate career at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill further highlights his legacy. Playing under esteemed coach Dean Smith, he developed into a formidable point guard, consistently performing at a high level. Smith averaged 12.9 points and 6.0 assists per game during his time at North Carolina, helping them achieve a 115–22 record from the 1983–84 to 1986–87 seasons, including two Elite Eight appearances and a Sweet Sixteen appearance.
Smith's impact extends beyond his on-court achievements. His successful transition from NBA champion to respected broadcaster showcases his versatility and enduring influence in sports. As a commentator on Inside the NBA, Smith has become a beloved figure, known for his candid commentary, relatable personality, and wealth of experience. He is widely regarded as a role model for aspiring athletes and professionals seeking to excel in multiple fields.
Smith's legacy is further solidified by his financial achievements and ventures beyond basketball. His net worth is a testament to his success, showcasing the potential for athletes to leverage their skills and knowledge beyond their playing careers. Smith has expressed interest in exploring opportunities outside of broadcasting, including film production and philanthropic initiatives, ensuring his influence continues to grow.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, Kenny Smith was inducted into the New York City Basketball Hall of Fame in 2000.
Kenny Smith played in the NBA from 1987 to 1997. He played for the Sacramento Kings, Atlanta Hawks, Houston Rockets, Detroit Pistons, Orlando Magic, and Denver Nuggets. Smith won back-to-back NBA championships with the Houston Rockets in 1994 and 1995.
After retiring, Smith became a basketball commentator and analyst for Turner Sports Network, CBS/Turner, and TNT.
Nicknamed "The Jet", Smith was known for his exceptional quickness, speed, and shooting accuracy.
Yes, Smith played college basketball for the North Carolina Tar Heels at the University of North Carolina. He was named a McDonald's All-American in 1983 and earned consensus first-team All-American honors as a senior in 1987.
