From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Kenny Smith made an impact.
Kenny Smith, nicknamed "the Jet," is an American sports commentator and former NBA player. He played from 1987 to 1997 for multiple teams, including the Sacramento Kings, Atlanta Hawks, and Houston Rockets. Smith achieved significant success with the Houston Rockets, winning two consecutive NBA championships. After his playing career, he transitioned to sports commentary.
In 1986, Kenny Smith represented the United States in the FIBA World Championship, winning the Gold Medal over the Soviet Union. He scored 23 points in the final game.
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 in Sacramento's win.
In 1987, Kenny Smith received consensus first-team All-American honors as a senior, was drafted by Sacramento in the first round of the NBA draft with the sixth overall pick, and was named to the NBA All-Rookie First Team with the Kings.
In 1987, Kenny Smith started his NBA career, playing for the Sacramento Kings.
After the 1989–90 season, Kenny Smith and Roy Marble were traded to the Houston Rockets in exchange for John Lucas and Tim McCormick.
In 1990, after the 1989–90 season, Kenny Smith and Roy Marble were traded to the Houston Rockets in exchange for John Lucas and Tim McCormick.
In 1991 Kenny Smith helped the Rockets achieve their best regular season record (52–30) at the time. He also received votes for NBA Most Valuable Player Award.
From the 1992–93 season, Kenny Smith averaged 11.7 points and 4.5 assists per game, with a three-point percentage of .425. The Houston Rockets would win back-to-back championships in the following years with Smith as the starting point guard.
In 1992, the Houston Rockets started the season 26–26, leading to Don Chaney being fired as coach and replaced by former Rocket player Rudy Tomjanovich.
The Houston Rockets won back-to-back championships in 1993–94 and 1994–95 with Kenny Smith as the starting point guard.
In 2017, Kenny Smith stated on the Scoop B Radio Podcast that the 1994 Houston Rockets would have beaten Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls had they faced each other in the NBA Finals.
The Houston Rockets won back-to-back championships in 1993–94 and 1994–95 with Kenny Smith as the starting point guard.
During the 1995 NBA Finals against the Orlando Magic, Kenny Smith made seven three-pointers, including the game-tying shot which sent the game into overtime in game one. The Rockets won the game 120–118, and went on to sweep the Magic in four games.
During the 1995-96 season, Kenny Smith continued to be the Rockets' starting point guard despite his points, assists, steals and minutes per game declining. He was still productive in 1995–96, averaging 8.5 points and 3.6 assists per game.
On September 17, 1996, Kenny Smith signed with the Detroit Pistons.
On December 18, 1996, Kenny Smith signed with the Orlando Magic, though he was released after just six games.
In 1997, Kenny Smith ended his NBA career, after playing for multiple teams including the Sacramento Kings, Atlanta Hawks, Houston Rockets, Detroit Pistons, Orlando Magic, and Denver Nuggets.
In 1997, Kenny Smith signed with his third team in that season, the Denver Nuggets. He averaged 7.9 points and 3.1 assists, serving as a mentor. He then attended training camp with the New Jersey Nets but did not make the final roster and retired shortly after.
In early 1998, Kenny Smith joined Turner Sports as a studio analyst for the end of the NBA regular season and the playoffs, working on Inside the NBA.
In 2001, Kenny Smith covered basketball for the Goodwill Games.
From 2005 to 2008, Kenny Smith provided commentary for the MSG Network's broadcasts of New York Knicks games.
From 2005 to 2008, Kenny Smith provided commentary for the MSG Network's broadcasts of New York Knicks games.
In 2017, Kenny Smith stated on the Scoop B Radio Podcast that the 1994 Houston Rockets would have beaten Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls had they faced each other in the NBA Finals.
In 2021, Kenny Smith's son, K.J., became a national basketball analyst with the website On3.com.
In October 2022, Kenny Smith signed a long-term contract extension with Warner Bros. Discovery Sports to continue as a host on Inside the NBA.
In 2022, Kenny Smith played Leon Rich in the movie Hustle, starring Adam Sandler and Juancho Hernangómez.
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