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 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.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

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's North Carolina team won the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) regular season conference championships.

1985: ACC Regular Season Championship

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

1986: FIBA World Championship Gold Medal

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.

1987: College Honors, NBA Draft, All-Rookie Team

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.

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 while helping North Carolina return to the Elite Eight.

1987: ACC Regular Season Championship

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

1988: High 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 Best Regular Season Record

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.

1992: Top Ten in Three-Point Percentage

In 1992–93, Kenny Smith finished in the NBA top ten in three-point percentage.

1993: Top Ten in Three-Point Percentage

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

1993: NBA Championship

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

1994: Top Ten in Three-Point Percentage

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

1994: NBA Championship

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

1995: NBA Finals Record

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.