Kenny Smith's Success and Achievements in Timeline

A success timeline featuring the most significant achievements of Kenny Smith.

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: McDonald's All-American

In 1983, Kenny Smith was named a McDonald's All-American while attending Archbishop Molloy High School.

1984: ACC Championship

From 1983 to 1987, Kenny Smith helped North Carolina win the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) regular season conference championships in 1984 and 1987, and tied for first in 1985.

1986: FIBA World Championship Gold Medal

In 1986, Kenny Smith represented the United States in the FIBA World Championship, where he won a Gold Medal over the Soviet Union and was second on the team in scoring.

1987: ACC Championship

From 1983 to 1987, Kenny Smith helped North Carolina win the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) regular season conference championships in 1984 and 1987, and tied for first in 1985.

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.

1987: Consensus All-American and Elite Eight

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

1988: League Rankings

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.

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.

1992: NBA Top Ten Finishes

Kenny Smith finished in the NBA top ten in three-point percentage from 1992-93, 1993-94 and 1994-95, and top ten in free throw percentage twice in 1992-93 and 1993-94.

1993: NBA Top Ten Finishes

Kenny Smith finished in the NBA top ten in three-point percentage from 1992-93, 1993-94 and 1994-95, and top ten in free throw percentage twice in 1992-93 and 1993-94.

1993: NBA Championships

The Houston Rockets won back-to-back NBA championships in 1993–94 and 1994–95 with Kenny Smith as the starting point guard.

1994: NBA Top Ten Finishes

Kenny Smith finished in the NBA top ten in three-point percentage from 1992-93, 1993-94 and 1994-95, and top ten in free throw percentage twice in 1992-93 and 1993-94.

1994: NBA Championships

The Houston Rockets won back-to-back NBA championships in 1993–94 and 1994–95 with Kenny Smith as the starting point guard.

1995: NBA Finals Game 1 Record

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