Career Timeline of Kenny Smith: Major Achievements and Milestones

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: March 9, 2026

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

Kenny "The Jet" Smith is a former professional basketball player and current sports commentator. He played in the NBA from 1987 to 1997 for several teams, including the Sacramento Kings, Atlanta Hawks, and Houston Rockets. He won two NBA championships with the Houston Rockets. Since retiring from the NBA, Smith has become a well-known basketball analyst.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

1983: Start of College Career

From 1983 to 1987, Kenny Smith helped North Carolina to a record of 115-22.

November 6, 1987: NBA Debut

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

1987: All-American Honors and NBA Draft

In 1987, Kenny Smith earned consensus first-team All-American honors as a senior in college. He was then selected by Sacramento in the first round of the 1987 NBA draft. He was also named to the NBA All-Rookie First Team with the Kings.

1987: NBA and College Career in 1987

In 1987, Kenny Smith earned consensus first-team All-American honors during his senior year at North Carolina. He was also selected by Sacramento in the first round of the 1987 NBA draft.

1989: Trade to the 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.

1989: Trade to Atlanta Hawks

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

1990: Trade to the 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.

1991: Assists Leader and MVP Votes

In the 1990-91 NBA season, Kenny Smith averaged 17.7 points per game and led the Houston Rockets in assists per game (7.1). He also received votes for the NBA Most Valuable Player Award.

1995: Continued Role with the Rockets

Kenny Smith continued to be the Rockets' starting point guard through the 1995–96 season.

September 17, 1996: Signing with Detroit Pistons

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

December 18, 1996: Signing 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 End

In 1997, Kenny Smith concluded his NBA playing career, having played from 1987 to 1997 with several teams including the Sacramento Kings, Atlanta Hawks, Houston Rockets, Detroit Pistons, Orlando Magic, and Denver Nuggets.

1997: Signing with Denver Nuggets

In 1997, Kenny Smith signed with the Denver Nuggets, his third team that season. He attended training camp in 1997 with the New Jersey Nets, but did not make John Calipari's final roster and retired shortly after.