The name “Kenny Smith” can refer to multiple notable individuals:
Kenny Smith (Basketball Player and Analyst):
Born on March 8, 1965, in Queens, New York, Kenneth “Kenny” Smith is a former professional basketball player and current sports commentator. He played as a point guard in the NBA from 1987 to 1997 for teams including the Sacramento Kings, Atlanta Hawks, Houston Rockets, Detroit Pistons, Orlando Magic, and Denver Nuggets.
Smith won two NBA championships with the Houston Rockets in 1994 and 1995. After retiring from professional play, he became a basketball analyst, joining Turner Sports in 1998. He is known for his role on the Emmy Award-winning show “Inside the NBA” on TNT, where he provides analysis alongside Ernie Johnson Jr., Charles Barkley, and Shaquille O’Neal.
In October 2022, Smith signed a long-term contract extension with Warner Bros. Discovery Sports to continue as a host on “Inside the NBA.”
Kenny Smith (Bluegrass Musician):
Kenny Smith is a renowned American bluegrass guitarist, twice honored with the International Bluegrass Music Association’s (IBMA) Guitar Player of the Year award.
He is highly respected in the bluegrass community and frequently participates in guitar workshops and master classes across the country. Smith also offers video lessons on his website, sharing his passion and expertise with guitar enthusiasts.
Recent Activities:
- Kenny Smith (Basketball Analyst): On March 20, 2025, Kenny Smith joined Charles Barkley to discuss their Final Four and national championship predictions for the 2025 NCAA men’s basketball tournament.
- Kenny Smith (Basketball Analyst): In August 2020, during an episode of “Inside the NBA,” Smith walked off the set in solidarity with NBA players who boycotted games in response to social justice issues.
- Kenny Smith (Basketball Analyst): In October 2024, reports indicated that Smith was exploring free agency options, with his contract with TNT potentially ending if Warner Bros. Discovery lost NBA media rights. He expressed enjoyment over being courted by other networks, likening it to being the “pretty girl at the dance.”
- Kenny Smith (Basketball Analyst): In January 2025, during a broadcast, mentalist Oz Pearlman guessed Smith’s ATM PIN live on air, leading to a humorous moment that left Charles Barkley visibly stunned.
- Kenny Smith (Basketball Analyst): In January 2025, Smith and his “Inside the NBA” colleagues, including Charles Barkley and Ernie Johnson, discussed modern basketball rules and their impact on the game, providing insights into current trends and changes in the sport.