Kenny Smith's Success and Achievements in Timeline

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

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: McDonald's All-American

In 1983, Kenny Smith was named a McDonald's All-American. He then proceeded to play basketball at the University of North Carolina for Dean Smith.

1984: ACC Championship

From the 1983-84 season, Kenny Smith helped North Carolina win the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) regular season conference championships in 1984.

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.

1987: ACC Championship

From the 1983-84 season, Kenny Smith helped North Carolina win the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) regular season conference championships in 1987.

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: Consensus All-American

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

1988: League Leader in Minutes Played

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: Rockets leading scorer

In 1991, Kenny Smith averaged 17.7 points per game while leading the Houston Rockets in assists per game (7.1) and free throw percentage (.844).

1992: Smith Averages

From the 1992–93 to 1994–95 seasons, Kenny Smith averaged 11.7 points and 4.5 assists per game, with a three-point percentage of .425.

1992: Top Ten in Three-Point Percentage

In 1992, Kenny Smith finished in the NBA top ten in three-point percentage.

1993: Top Ten in Three-Point and Free Throw Percentage

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

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: Top Ten in Three-Point and Free Throw Percentage

In 1994, Kenny Smith finished in the NBA top ten in three-point percentage and free throw percentage.

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: NBA Finals Record

In 1995, during the first game of the NBA Finals against the Orlando Magic, Kenny Smith set an NBA record at the time with 7 three-pointers, helping the Rockets win the game and sweep the Magic in four games.