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Steve Smith, born on March 31, 1969, is an American former professional basketball player. Smith played collegiate basketball for Michigan State University before being drafted by the Miami Heat in 1991. Over his 14-season NBA career, Smith played for several teams, including the Miami Heat, Portland Trail Blazers, and the San Antonio Spurs. Smith is best known for his five-year stint with the Atlanta Hawks, where he made an All-Star Game appearance in 1998. He won an NBA championship with the Spurs in 2003 and was inducted into the MSU Athletics Hall of Fame in 2001 and the Michigan Sports Hall of Fame in 2013.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Steven Delano Smith |
| Date of Birth | March 31, 1969 |
| Teams | Miami Heat, Portland Trail Blazers, San Antonio Spurs, Atlanta Hawks, New Orleans Hornets, Charlotte Bobcats |
| MSU Basketball Player | 1987-1991 |
| MSU Athletics Hall of Fame Number | 21 |
| NBA Draft Pick | Fifth Overall by the Miami Heat in 1991 |
| NBA Career | 14 years |
| NBA Championship Rings | 1 (2003) |
| Other Honours | NBA All-Rookie Team (1992), NBA All-Star (1998), NBA Sportsmanship (2002) |
| Michigan Sports Hall of Fame | 2013 |
| Olympic Gold Medal | 2000 Sydney Olympics |
| FIBA World Championship Gold Medal | 1994 |
| Tournament of the Americas Gold Medal | 1999 |
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What You'll Learn
Steve Smith's NBA career
Steve Smith, born on March 31, 1969, in Highland Park, Michigan, is a former American professional basketball player. He played collegiate basketball for Michigan State University, graduating as the school's all-time leading scorer with 2,263 points. He was also fourth in assists (453) and fifth in rebounds (704).
Smith was selected fifth overall by the Miami Heat in the 1991 NBA draft, marking the start of his 14-year NBA career. During his rookie season, he played 61 games, starting in 59, and averaged 12 points and 4.6 assists. Smith played for the Heat until the 1994–95 season, when he was traded to the Atlanta Hawks.
Smith spent five years with the Hawks, including an All-Star Game appearance in 1998, where he scored 14 points in 16 minutes. He then played for the Portland Trail Blazers from 1999 to 2001 and the San Antonio Spurs from 2001 to 2003, winning an NBA championship with the Spurs in 2003. Smith also had brief stints with the New Orleans Hornets (2003–2004), Charlotte Bobcats (2004–2005), and ended his NBA career having played for six different teams across 14 seasons.
Smith was known for his exceptional three-point shooting ability and is one of only three players to make seven three-pointers in a single quarter. In addition to his NBA achievements, he represented the USA men's national basketball team, winning gold medals at the 1994 FIBA World Championship, the 1999 Tournament of the Americas, and the 2000 Summer Olympics. Smith was inducted into the Michigan Sports Hall of Fame in 2013 and is now a basketball analyst for Turner Sports.
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MSU Athletics Hall of Fame induction
Steve Smith, the former Michigan State University basketball player, was inducted into the MSU Athletics Hall of Fame in 2001. Smith, a two-time All-American, led MSU to a Big Ten Championship and a Sweet Sixteen appearance in 1990. He was also a member of the US men's national basketball team that won gold at the 1994 FIBA World Championship and the 1999 Tournament of the Americas, as well as an Olympic gold medal in 2000.
Smith's MSU jersey number "21" was retired by the university, and he was selected fifth overall by the Miami Heat in the 1991 NBA draft. His 14-year NBA career included stints with six different teams, and he earned one NBA championship ring in 2003 with the San Antonio Spurs.
Smith was one of seven former Spartans inducted into the MSU Athletics Hall of Fame in 2001. The other inductees were Jerry DaPrato (football), Sue Ertl (golf), George M. (Jud) Heathcote (basketball coach), Sherman Lewis (football/track), Weldon Olson (ice hockey), and John D. Wilson (football).
Smith is also known for his charitable pursuits, including a $2.5 million donation to his alma mater in 1997, which helped fund the Clara Bell Smith Student-Athlete Academic Center, named for his mother. This was the largest single donation by a professional athlete to their former school in history.
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Philanthropy and charitable donations
Steve Smith is well-known for his charitable pursuits and philanthropic donations. In 1997, Smith donated US$2.5 million to his alma mater, Michigan State University, where he was a star guard under coach Jud Heathcote. This donation, the largest single donation by a professional athlete to their former school in history, helped fund the Clara Bell Smith Student Athlete Academic Center, named for his mother. Smith has continued to show his support for Michigan State University through countless donations, and he also has a close philanthropic relationship with Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, where he has hosted fundraising events for the pediatric hospital.
Smith was inducted into the MSU Athletics Hall of Fame in 2001 and the Michigan Sports Hall of Fame in 2013. His number "21" was retired by MSU, and he is considered one of the greatest basketball players in the university's history. Smith's success at MSU has been attributed to coach Jud Heathcote, whom Smith credits as the most influential figure for him during his time at the university.
Smith's philanthropic efforts extend beyond his alma mater and his local community. He represented the United States in the 2000 Summer Olympics, winning a gold medal as part of the men's national basketball team. He also won gold medals at the 1994 FIBA World Championship and the 1999 Tournament of the Americas.
Throughout his 14-season career in the National Basketball Association, Smith played for several teams, including the Miami Heat, the Portland Trail Blazers, and the San Antonio Spurs. He is best known for his five-year stint with the Atlanta Hawks, which included an All-Star Game appearance in 1998. Smith's success on the court, combined with his charitable pursuits, has solidified his legacy as one of the most respected players in the history of the game.
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Olympic gold medal win
Steve Smith is a retired American professional basketball player who played for several teams during his 14-season National Basketball Association career. He is best known for his five-year stint with the Atlanta Hawks, which included an All-Star Game appearance in 1998.
In addition to his NBA accolades, Smith represented the United States in several international basketball competitions. He joined the USA men's national basketball team in the 1994 FIBA World Championship, winning the gold medal. He added another gold medal to his collection at the 1999 Tournament of the Americas.
However, the pinnacle of his international career came at the 2000 Sydney Olympics. Smith was a member of the US Olympic Basketball Team, which dominated the tournament and ultimately stood atop the podium. This achievement cemented Smith's legacy in basketball history as an Olympic gold medal winner.
During the 2000 Olympics, Smith played a pivotal role for Team USA. He averaged just over six points per game, including a notable 12-point performance against China in the group stage. This contribution helped propel the team towards their ultimate goal of capturing the gold medal.
Steve Smith's Olympic gold medal victory, coupled with his impressive NBA career and other international successes, solidified his place in basketball history. His achievements have been recognized through various hall of fame inductions, including the Michigan Sports Hall of Fame and the MSU Athletics Hall of Fame.
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Post-retirement career
Steve Smith, the former basketball player, has had a successful post-retirement career. After his retirement from the NBA, Smith became a basketball analyst for Turner Sports and worked as an announcer for Atlanta Hawks games with Bob Rathbun. He also worked as a college basketball analyst for the Big Ten Network. During the 2008 season, he took a position at NBA TV. Smith is also known for his charitable pursuits and has two sons, whom he often coaches in soccer and basketball.
Smith has been inducted into the Michigan State University Athletics Hall of Fame and the Michigan Sports Hall of Fame. He is widely regarded as an excellent three-point shooter and is one of only three players to make seven three-pointers in a single quarter.
Another notable individual in sports with the name Steve Smith is the former NFL player who played as a wide receiver for the Carolina Panthers and Baltimore Ravens. Following his retirement from the NFL, this Steve Smith became a sports analyst and show host for the NFL Network. He is also a five-time Pro Bowl selection and four-time All-Pro.
Additionally, there is an Australian cricketer named Steve Smith who retired from ODI cricket in March 2025. Smith was a highly decorated cricketer, having captained Australia to victory in two World Cups and numerous other series triumphs. Despite his involvement in the 2018 ball-tampering scandal, he returned to captaincy and led Australia in several successful campaigns.
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Frequently asked questions
No, Steve Smith is not in the NBA Hall of Fame. However, he was inducted into the MSU Athletics Hall of Fame in 2001 and the Michigan Sports Hall of Fame in 2013.
Steve Smith played for the Miami Heat, Atlanta Hawks, Portland Trail Blazers, San Antonio Spurs, New Orleans Hornets, and Charlotte Bobcats.
Smith had a 14-year NBA career and earned one NBA championship ring in 2003 with the San Antonio Spurs. He was also a member of the USA Men's National Basketball Team, winning gold medals in the 1994 FIBA World Championship, 1999 Tournament of the Americas, and 2000 Olympics.
After retiring from the NBA, Steve Smith became a basketball analyst for Turner Sports and worked as an announcer for Atlanta Hawks games. He is also known for his charitable pursuits, including a $2.5 million donation to his alma mater, Michigan State University.
Steve Smith played as a guard for the Michigan State Spartans and was widely regarded as an excellent three-point shooter.
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