Career Timeline of Kenny Smith: Major Achievements and Milestones

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 several teams, including the Sacramento Kings, Atlanta Hawks, and Houston Rockets. Most notably, he secured back-to-back NBA championships with the Houston Rockets.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

1983: Start of College Basketball Career

From the 1983–84 season, Kenny Smith helped North Carolina to a record of 115–22.

1986: FIBA World Championship

In 1986, Kenny Smith represented the United States in the FIBA World Championship, leading the US to an 87–85 win and the Gold Medal.

November 6, 1987: NBA Debut

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

1987: NBA Draft and All-Rookie Team

In 1987, Kenny Smith earned consensus first-team All-American honors as a senior in college and was drafted by Sacramento in the first round of the 1987 NBA draft with the sixth overall pick. Later that year, Kenny Smith was named to the NBA All-Rookie First Team with the Kings.

1987: NBA and College Career

In 1987, Kenny Smith was named a consensus first-team All-American as a senior at North Carolina. 1987 also marks the start of Kenny Smith's NBA career, playing from 1987 to 1997.

1990: Trade 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.

1993: NBA Championship

In 1993, Kenny Smith won back-to-back championships in 1993–94 and 1994–95 with Smith as the starting point guard.

1994: NBA Championship

In 1994, Kenny Smith won back-to-back championships in 1993–94 and 1994–95 with Smith as the starting point guard.

1995: Continued NBA Career

In 1995, Kenny Smith continued to be the Rockets' starting point guard, although he was gradually losing playing time.

September 17, 1996: Signed with Detroit Pistons

On September 17, 1996, Kenny Smith signed with the Detroit Pistons, but was waived after only nine games.

December 18, 1996: Signed with Orlando Magic

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

1997: Signed with Denver Nuggets

In 1997, Kenny Smith signed with the Denver Nuggets, his third team that season, and averaged 7.9 points and 3.1 assists.

1997: End of NBA Career

In 1997, Kenny Smith's NBA career ended after playing from 1987 to 1997. He played as a member of the Sacramento Kings, Atlanta Hawks, Houston Rockets, Detroit Pistons, Orlando Magic, and Denver Nuggets.