NBA Star and Emmy Winner: Kenny "The Jet" Smith
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Kenneth "Kenny" Smith, nicknamed "the Jet," is a former NBA player turned Emmy Award-winning sports commentator. Born in Queens, New York, in 1965, Smith played for several NBA teams from 1987 to 1997, winning two championships with the Houston Rockets before transitioning to a successful broadcasting career on TNT's "Inside the NBA."
Early Life: Basketball Pursuits
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Kenny Smith's early life was deeply rooted in basketball and family support. Born in Brooklyn and raised in Queens, New York, Smith grew up in the LeFrak City neighborhood where he developed his passion for the game.
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His parents, especially his mother Annie Mae, were instrumental in nurturing his talent and ambition.2
Smith honed his skills at New York's Riverside Church and Stephen A. Halsey Junior High School before attending Archbishop Molloy High School, where he was coached by Jack Curran, the winningest high school coach in New York state history.1
Smith's dedication to improving his game was evident early on, as he attended basketball camps and lectures by Bobby Lewis, whose drills and training regimens Smith would continue to use throughout his career and even teach at his own camps later in life.1
This early foundation in basketball fundamentals would later translate into Smith's impressive assists per game statistics and his eventual selection by the Sacramento Kings in the NBA draft.2 sources
Breakthrough: Impressive Basketball Record in University of North Carolina
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Kenny Smith's breakthrough in basketball came during his college years at the University of North Carolina. As a senior in 1987, Smith earned consensus first-team All-American honors, averaging an impressive 16.9 points and 6.1 assists per game.
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This stellar performance caught the attention of NBA scouts, leading to his selection as the sixth overall pick by the Sacramento Kings in the 1987 NBA draft.1
Smith's impact was immediate, as he earned a spot on the NBA All-Rookie First Team, averaging 13.8 points and 7.1 assists per game in his debut season with the Kings.1
His ability to distribute the ball effectively and score when needed established him as a valuable point guard, setting the stage for a successful NBA career that would span a decade and include two championship titles.1 source
Kenny Smith on the Court (Photos)
Kenny's NBA Career Highlights
Kenny Smith's basketball career spanned over a decade, showcasing his skills as a point guard across multiple NBA teams. Here's a concise timeline of his professional journey:
Throughout his NBA career, Smith averaged 12.8 points and 5.5 assists per game, demonstrating his consistency as a reliable point guard and sharpshooter
| Year | Team | Notable Achievements |
|---|---|---|
| 1987-1990 | Sacramento Kings | Drafted 6th overall; NBA All-Rookie First Team; Averaged 13.8 points and 7.1 assists per game in rookie season 1 2 |
| 1990 | Atlanta Hawks | Brief stint before being traded 1 3 |
| 1990-1996 | Houston Rockets | Won two NBA championships (1994, 1995); Career-high 17.7 points per game in 1990-1991 1 2 3 |
| 1996-1997 | Detroit Pistons | Short tenure 1 3 |
| 1996-1997 | Orlando Magic | Brief stint 1 3 |
| 1997 | Denver Nuggets | Final NBA team; Set franchise record for career three-point percentage (.425) 1 3 |
| 1998-Present | TNT | Transitioned to broadcasting; Emmy Award-winning analyst on "Inside the NBA" 4 |
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Kenny Smith's Awards and Honors
Kenny Smith's basketball career and broadcasting work have earned him several accolades over the years. Here's a summary of his notable awards and honors:
Smith's journey from a rookie with the Sacramento Kings, known for his high assists per game, to a two-time NBA champion and Emmy-nominated broadcaster demonstrates his enduring impact on basketball both on and off the court.
| Year | Award | Category |
|---|---|---|
| 1987-88 | NBA All-Rookie First Team | Player |
| 1994, 1995 | NBA Champion | Player (Houston Rockets) |
| 2021 | Sports Legacy Award | Broadcasting |
| 2022 | Emmy Nominee | Outstanding Sports Personality - Studio Analyst |
| 2023 | Emmy Nominee | Outstanding Sports Personality - Play-By-Play |
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Kenny Smith's Interviews (Videos)
Kenny Smith's Personal Life
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Kenny Smith's personal life reflects his deep connection to basketball and family. Married twice, Smith has five children, including his son K.J., who followed in his father's footsteps by playing basketball for the University of North Carolina.
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Smith's daughter Kayla has pursued a career in R&B music, showcasing the family's diverse talents.1
Throughout his time in the NBA, from his early days with the Sacramento Kings to his championship runs with the Houston Rockets, Smith's family has been a constant support. His ability to balance his professional career, which saw him averaging impressive assists per game, with his personal life has contributed to his success both on and off the court. Now, as a respected broadcaster, Smith continues to share his basketball knowledge and life experiences with a new generation of fans.2
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Closing Thoughts on Kenny Smith
Kenny Smith's progress from a promising young basketball player to an NBA champion and respected broadcaster exemplifies the enduring impact one can have on the sport. His time with the Sacramento Kings, where he showcased his impressive assists per game, laid the foundation for a successful NBA career. Smith's basketball prowess, honed through years of dedication and practice, allowed him to excel on multiple teams, including his championship runs with the Houston Rockets.
Throughout his time in the league, Smith consistently demonstrated his value as a point guard, maintaining solid assists per game numbers and contributing to his teams' success. His transition from the hardwood to the broadcast booth has allowed him to share his deep understanding of basketball with a new generation of fans, proving that his impact on the sport extends far beyond his playing days with the Kings and other NBA teams. Smith's progress serves as a testament to the lasting influence one can have in the world of basketball, both during their time as a player and long after their on-court career has ended.
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