Career Timeline of Kenny Smith: Major Achievements and Milestones

From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Kenny Smith made an impact.

Kenny "The Jet" Smith is an American sports commentator and former professional basketball player. He played in the NBA from 1987 to 1997 for six teams, including the Sacramento Kings, Atlanta Hawks, and Houston Rockets. Smith achieved significant success with the Houston Rockets, winning two consecutive NBA championships. Following his playing career, Smith transitioned to broadcasting, becoming a well-known sports commentator.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

1983: Start of College Career

From 1983 to 1984, Kenny Smith started playing basketball at the University of North Carolina.

November 6, 1987: NBA Debut

On November 6, 1987, Kenny Smith made his NBA debut for the Sacramento Kings, scoring 11 points with five assists in a win against the Golden State Warriors.

1987: NBA Career Begins

In 1987, Kenny Smith began his NBA career, playing from 1987 to 1997 for multiple teams.

1987: All-American Honors, NBA Draft, All-Rookie Team

In 1987, Kenny Smith earned consensus first-team All-American honors, was drafted by Sacramento in the first round of the NBA draft, and was named to the NBA All-Rookie First Team.

1989: Traded to Houston Rockets

After the 1989-90 season, Kenny Smith and Roy Marble were traded to the Houston Rockets in exchange for John Lucas and Tim McCormick.

1990: Traded to the Atlanta Hawks

Midway through the 1989–90 season, Kenny Smith was traded to the Atlanta Hawks in exchange for Antoine Carr.

1991: Assisted the Rockets to a 52-30 Record

In 1991, Kenny Smith averaged 17.7 points per game and helped the Rockets to a 52-30 record.

1992: Start of Championship Contention

From the 1992–93 season, Kenny Smith played with the Houston Rockets, establishing the foundation for a championship contender.

1992: Playoff Loss

In 1992, the Houston Rockets went 55-27, losing to the Seattle SuperSonics in the second round of the playoffs.

1993: NBA Championship

In 1993–94, Kenny Smith won an NBA championship with the Houston Rockets.

1994: NBA Championship

In 1994-95, Kenny Smith won back-to-back NBA championships with the Houston Rockets.

1995: NBA Finals Game 1 Record

In 1995, during Game 1 of the NBA Finals against the Orlando Magic, Kenny Smith scored 23 points, had 9 assists and made seven three-pointers, leading to a Rockets victory and setting an NBA record at the time for three-pointers in the first game of the NBA finals.

1995: Continued as Rockets' Starting Point Guard

In the 1995-96 season, Kenny Smith continued to be the Rockets' starting point guard.

September 17, 1996: Signed with Detroit Pistons

On September 17, 1996, Kenny Smith signed with the Detroit Pistons.

December 18, 1996: Signed with Orlando Magic

On December 18, 1996, Kenny Smith signed with the Orlando Magic, although he was released after just six games.

1997: NBA Career Ends

In 1997, Kenny Smith concluded his NBA playing career.

1997: Signed with Denver Nuggets and Retirement

In 1997, Kenny Smith signed with the Denver Nuggets, his third team of the season, before retiring shortly after attending training camp with the New Jersey Nets.