Kenny Smith is famous for his career as a professional basketball player in the NBA and as a sports analyst and commentator for TNT’s “Inside the NBA” show.
Smith played in the NBA for 10 seasons, primarily as a point guard for the Sacramento Kings, Atlanta Hawks, Houston Rockets, Detroit Pistons, and Orlando Magic. He won two NBA championships with the Houston Rockets in 1994 and 1995.
After retiring from playing, Smith began working as a basketball analyst for TNT in 1998, where he has become known for his lively and engaging commentary and his chemistry with fellow analysts Charles Barkley and Shaquille O’Neal. He has also appeared as a guest commentator on various other sports shows and networks.
Kenny Smith Biography / Wiki
Kenny Smith was born on March 8, 1965, in Queens, New York. He attended Archbishop Molloy High School in Queens and then went on to play college basketball at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he was a member of the 1982-83 NCAA championship team coached by Dean Smith.
Smith was drafted by the Sacramento Kings in the first round of the 1987 NBA draft and played in the NBA for 10 seasons. During his NBA career, he averaged 12.8 points, 5.5 assists, and 2.8 rebounds per game.
Kenny Smith Age
As per Kenny Smith’s date of birth, his age is 58 years (as of now, in 2023).
Kenny Smith Height and Weight
Kenny Smith’s height is about 6 feet 2 inches and his weight is approximately 80 kg.
Early Start and Breakthrough
Smith attended Archbishop Molloy High School in Queens, where he became a standout basketball player. He then went on to play college basketball at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he helped lead the Tar Heels to the NCAA championship in 1982.
After his successful college career, Smith was drafted by the Sacramento Kings in the first round of the 1987 NBA draft and began his professional basketball career. His early success in basketball can be attributed to his natural talent and the support of his family and coaches who recognized his potential and encouraged him to pursue his dreams.
College career
Kenny Smith played college basketball at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill from 1983 to 1987. During his time there, he played under legendary head coach Dean Smith and was a part of the 1984-85 Tar Heels team that won the NCAA championship.
During his college career, Smith was a standout point guard and helped lead the Tar Heels to the Final Four of the NCAA tournament in both his junior and senior years. He has named a consensus All-American in 1987 and was also a two-time All-ACC selection.
Smith finished his college career with impressive statistics, averaging 12.9 points, 6.0 assists, and 1.8 steals per game. He remains one of the most successful and beloved players in the history of the North Carolina Tar Heels basketball program.
He finished his college career with 1,735 points, 768 assists, and 218 steals, and was inducted into the North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame in 1999.
International Career
He represent the United States at the 1986 FIBA World Championship held in Spain, where he helped the US team win the gold medal.
During his playing career in the NBA, Smith was also a member of the US national team that competed in the 1988 Summer Olympics in Seoul, South Korea. The team, which included basketball legends such as Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson, and Larry Bird, won the gold medal.
After retiring from playing, Smith has also worked as a basketball ambassador, representing the NBA and promoting the sport internationally. He has made trips to countries such as China and the Philippines to promote basketball and engage with fans.
NBA career
Kenny Smith was selected in the first round of the 1987 NBA draft by the Sacramento Kings. He made his NBA debut on November 6, 1987, and played for the Kings for two seasons before being traded to the Atlanta Hawks.
Smith played for the Hawks for one season before being traded to the Houston Rockets, where he had his most successful years as a player. He played for the Rockets from 1990 to 1995, and won two NBA championships with the team in 1994 and 1995.
After his time with the Rockets, Smith played for the Detroit Pistons for one season and then the Orlando Magic for one season before retiring from playing in the NBA in 1997. During his 10-year NBA career, Smith averaged 12.8 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 5.5 assists per game.
Throughout his career, Smith was known as a skilled point guard and three-point shooter. He was also known for his ability to perform in clutch situations, earning him the nickname “The Jet.”
Club Career
Kenny Smith played for the Houston Rockets from 1990 to 1996 and was a key contributor to the team’s two NBA Championships in 1994 and 1995. During his time in Houston, Smith was the starting point guard for the Rockets and formed a dynamic backcourt duo with shooting guard Clyde Drexler.
In the 1993-94 season, Smith averaged 10.0 points, 4.6 assists, and 1.6 rebounds per game, while shooting 44.7% from the field and 39.7% from three-point range. He played a critical role in the Rockets’ playoff run that year, including a memorable performance in Game 1 of the NBA Finals against the New York Knicks, where he scored 23 points and hit seven three-pointers.
In the 1994-95 season, Smith averaged 11.6 points, 4.5 assists, and 1.7 rebounds per game, while shooting 47.8% from the field and 40.5% from three-point range. He continued to play a key role in the playoffs and helped lead the Rockets to their second consecutive championship.
Smith played 486 regular season games for the Rockets, averaging 10.8 points, 4.4 assists, and 2.3 rebounds per game, while shooting 44.2% from the field and 38.1% from three-point range. He was known for his quickness, shooting ability, and leadership on the court, and remains a beloved figure in Houston Rockets history.
Last NBA Journey
Kenny Smith is a retired professional basketball player who is best known for his time as a point guard for the Houston Rockets during the 1990s. In his final year as a player, Smith played for the Orlando Magic during the 1996-97 NBA season.
During that season, Smith played in 80 games for the Magic and started in 29 of them. He averaged 6.2 points, 2.6 assists, and 1.5 rebounds per game while shooting 41.6% from the field and 38.4% from three-point range.
In the playoffs, Smith played in all three of the Magic’s first-round games against the Miami Heat, but he only averaged 3.3 points and 1.3 assists per game as the Magic were swept in the series.
After the season, Smith announced his retirement from the NBA at the age of 32. He finished his career with career averages of 12.8 points, 5.5 assists, and 2.8 rebounds per game. He won two NBA championships with the Rockets in 1994 and 1995 and was a solid contributor to the team during those years. Smith was also known for his on-air commentary work for TNT’s NBA coverage, where he has been a staple for many years.
Broadcasting career
He began his broadcasting career in 1998 as a studio analyst for Turner Sports, covering the NBA on TNT. Smith quickly gained popularity for his insightful analysis and engaging personality and became a staple of the network’s NBA coverage.
In addition to his work with TNT, Smith has also served as a studio analyst for CBS during the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament. He has also made appearances on various other sports and entertainment programs, including “Inside the NBA,” “The Bachelor,” and “Dancing with the Stars.”
In recent years, Smith has expanded his broadcasting career to include ownership and production of his own show, “Inside the NBA: Full Court Press,” which airs on the NBA’s official website. He has also been involved in the production of various documentaries and other programming related to basketball and sports in general.
Acting Career
While he is primarily known for his work in basketball, he has also made several appearances in television and film.
Smith has made guest appearances on a number of television shows, including “The Jamie Foxx Show,” “Martin,” “The Parkers,” and “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.” He has also appeared in several films, including “He Got Game,” “Like Mike,” and “Just Wright.”
In addition to his acting career, Smith has also worked as a producer on several projects, including the television show “Meet the Smiths” and the documentary “The Doctor.”
However, it is worth noting that Smith’s acting career has been relatively minor compared to his achievements in basketball and sports media.
Kenny Smith Family
He was born on March 8, 1965, in Queens, New York, USA. His father’s name is not disclosed, while his mother Annie Mae Smith is a vivid supporter of the NBA.
Learn more about, Brian Gleeson and Jiemba Sands
Kenny Smith Girlfriend
Kenny Smith is married to Gwendolyn Osborne-Smith, a British model and actress. They got married in 2006 and have two children together, a son named Malloy Adrian Smith and a daughter named London Olivia Smith.
Kenny Smith also has a son from a previous relationship named Kenny Smith Jr., who played college basketball for the University of North Carolina at Pembroke and now plays professionally overseas.
Facts
- Kenny Smith hails from New York City, New York, U.S.
- Smith won two NBA championships with the Houston Rockets in 1994 and 1995.
- He was known as “The Jet” during his playing career due to his speed and quickness.
- After retiring from basketball, Smith became a basketball analyst and studio host for Turner Sports, where he currently works on the popular show “Inside the NBA.”
- Smith has also appeared on several TV shows, including “The Bachelor” and “Dancing with the Stars.”
- In addition to his work in basketball, Smith is also a philanthropist and has worked with various charities, including the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
- He has four children and is married to Gwendolyn Osborne-Smith, a former model and actress.
- Smith is also a successful entrepreneur and has launched several businesses, including a clothing line and a sports agency.
Kenny Smith’s Net Worth
Kenny Smith’s net worth was estimated to be around $25-30 million. It’s important to note that net worth can fluctuate over time depending on various factors such as investments, business ventures, and personal expenses.
In terms of income, Smith’s salary as an NBA analyst for Turner Sports is reported to be around $2 million per year. He also earns money from various business ventures, such as his clothing line and sports agency. Additionally, he has appeared on TV shows like “The Bachelor” and “Dancing with the Stars,” which likely earned him additional income.
Social Media
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LifeStyle
| Does Kenny Smith, Consume Alcohol? | Not Disclosed |
| Does he, Smoke? | Not Disclosed |
| Does he, Drive? | Yes |
| Does Kenny Smith, Swims? | Yes |
| Does he know cooking? | Yes |
| Is he a Yoga Practitioner? | Yes |
| Does Gym? | Yes |
| Is Kenny Smith a Jogger? | Yes |
| Eating Habit? | Not Disclosed |
FAQ
Who is Kenny Smith?
Kenny Smith is a retired professional basketball player who played in the NBA for 10 seasons. He was born on March 8, 1965, in Queens, New York, and attended the University of North Carolina. After a successful college career, Smith was drafted by the Sacramento Kings in the first round of the 1987 NBA draft.
Is Kenny Smith married?
He is presently single.
What is the age of Kenny Smith?
The age of Kenny Smith is 58 years ( as of 2023).
When is the Birthday of Kenny Smith?
Kenny Smith’s birthday is on March 8, 1965.
What is the Zodiac Sign of Kenny Smith?
The Zodiac Sign of Kenny Smith is Pisces.
How tall is Kenny Smith?
Kenny Smith is 6 feet 2 inches tall.
Where is Kenny Smith from?
Kenny Smith is from New York City, New York, U.S.
How much is the net worth of Kenny Smith?
As of now in 2023, the net worth of Kenny Smith is summed to be about 25-30 million USD.