History of Kenny Smith in Timeline

Kenny Smith, nicknamed "The Jet," is an American sports commentator and former NBA player. He played from 1987 to 1997 for six teams, including the Sacramento Kings, Atlanta Hawks, and Houston Rockets. He is most known for winning two NBA championships with the Houston Rockets. After his playing career, Smith transitioned to broadcasting and is now a well-known commentator.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

March 8, 1965: Kenneth Smith Born

On March 8, 1965, Kenneth Smith, later known as Kenny "the Jet" Smith, was born. He became a sports commentator and former NBA player.

1983: McDonald's All-American

In 1983, Kenny Smith was named a McDonald's All-American before playing basketball at the University of North Carolina.

1984: ACC Regular Season Championship

In 1984, Kenny Smith and North Carolina won the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) regular season conference championships.

1984: NCAA Tournament Appearance

In 1984, Kenny Smith played on a North Carolina team that finished the season ranked #1 with a 28-3 record but lost to Indiana in the regional semifinals of the NCAA tournament.

1985: ACC Regular Season Championship

In 1985, Kenny Smith and North Carolina tied for first in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) regular season conference championships.

1985: Elite Eight Appearance

In 1985, Kenny Smith led North Carolina to the Elite Eight in the NCAA Tournament, losing to Villanova, the eventual national champion.

1986: Sweet Sixteen Appearance

In 1986, Kenny Smith helped North Carolina to a Sweet Sixteen appearance.

1986: FIBA World Championship Gold Medal

In 1986, Kenny Smith represented the United States in the FIBA World Championship. He was second on the team in scoring with 14.7 points per game, and the US won the Gold Medal.

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 their win against the Golden State Warriors.

1987: ACC Regular Season Championship

In 1987, Kenny Smith and North Carolina won the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) regular season conference championships.

1987: NBA Career Begins

In 1987, Kenny Smith began his NBA career, playing for the Sacramento Kings.

1987: Graduation from UNC

In 1987, Kenny Smith earned a degree in Industrial Relations from UNC.

1987: All-American Honors, NBA Draft

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

1987: Consensus All-American

In 1987, Kenny Smith was named a Consensus All-American (1st Team) as a senior, averaging 16.9 points and 6.1 assists per game, helping North Carolina return to the Elite Eight.

1988: NBA Top Ten

In the 1988-89 season Kenny Smith was fifth in the league in minutes played, seventh in minutes per game, and tenth in total assists.

1990: Trade to Houston Rockets

After the 1989-90 season, Kenny Smith was traded to the Houston Rockets.

1991: Rockets Record

In 1991, Kenny Smith helped the Houston Rockets to a 52-30 record, the best regular season in franchise history at the time.

1992: Championship Foundation

From 1992-93 to 1994-95 seasons, Kenny Smith was instrumental in forming the championship foundation for the Rockets.

1992: Playoff Loss

In 1992, Kenny Smith and the Rockets went 55-27 in 1992-93, losing to the Seattle SuperSonics in the second round of the playoffs in seven games.

1993: NBA Top Ten

In 1993-94 Kenny Smith finished in the NBA top ten in three-point percentage and free throw percentage.

1994: NBA Top Ten

In 1994-95 Kenny Smith finished in the NBA top ten in three-point percentage.

1994: Scoop B Radio Podcast

In 2017, on the Scoop B Radio Podcast, Kenny Smith stated that the 1994 Houston Rockets would have beaten Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls had they faced each other in the NBA Finals.

1995: NBA Finals Game 1 Record

In Game 1 of the 1995 NBA Finals against the Orlando Magic, Kenny Smith scored 23 points, had 9 assists, and made seven three-pointers, including the game-tying shot, which sent the game into overtime. Smith's 7 three pointers in the first game of the 1995 NBA Finals was an NBA record at the time.

1995: Rockets Continue Success

In the 1995-96 NBA season, Kenny Smith continued to be the Rockets' starting point guard, and the team finished fifth in the Western Conference.

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, but was released after just six games.

1997: Signed with Denver Nuggets and Retirement

In 1997, Kenny Smith signed with the Denver Nuggets, and attended training camp with the New Jersey Nets, but did not make the final roster. He retired shortly after.

1998: Joins Turner Sports

In early 1998, Kenny Smith joined Turner Sports as a studio analyst for the NBA regular season and playoffs.

2001: Goodwill Games Coverage

In 2001, Kenny Smith covered basketball for the Goodwill Games.

2004: Meeting Gwendolyn Osborne

In 2004, Kenny Smith met English model Gwendolyn Osborne at a charity event.

2005: Commentary for MSG Network

From 2005 to 2008, Kenny Smith provided commentary for the MSG Network's broadcasts of New York Knicks games.

September 8, 2006: Marriage to Gwendolyn Osborne

On September 8, 2006, Kenny Smith married English model Gwendolyn Osborne.

2008: Commentary for MSG Network

From 2005 to 2008, Kenny Smith provided commentary for the MSG Network's broadcasts of New York Knicks games.

2010: Shooting Stars Competition Win

During the 2010 NBA All-Star Weekend, Kenny Smith was a member of the Texas team that won the Shooting Stars Competition.

2010: Career Stats

Through 2010, Kenny Smith's career three-point percentage of .399 ranked 42nd in NBA history.

2016: Franchise Records

Through 2016, Kenny Smith held the Denver Nuggets franchise record for career three-point percentage (.425), and ranked among the all-time leaders in several categories for the Sacramento Kings and the Houston Rockets.

2017: Scoop B Radio Podcast

In 2017, on the Scoop B Radio Podcast, Kenny Smith stated that the 1994 Houston Rockets would have beaten Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls had they faced each other in the NBA Finals.

2018: Son's Basketball Career at UNC

From 2018 to 2021, Kenny Smith's son, K.J., played basketball for the University of North Carolina, his father's alma mater.

2018: Divorce Filing

In 2018, Gwendolyn Osborne filed for divorce from Kenny Smith.

August 26, 2020: Boycott Solidarity

On August 26, 2020, Kenny Smith left the set of Inside the NBA in solidarity with the six teams that boycotted the day's games in response to the shooting of Jacob Blake.