Kenny Smith, born on March 8, 1965, in Queens, New York, is a former professional basketball player and current sports commentator. Nicknamed “The Jet,” Smith played as a point guard in the NBA from 1987 to 1997.
Over his decade-long career, he played for teams including the Sacramento Kings, Atlanta Hawks, Houston Rockets, Detroit Pistons, Orlando Magic, and Denver Nuggets. Smith won back-to-back NBA championships with the Houston Rockets in 1994 and 1995.
After retiring from professional basketball, Smith transitioned to a career in sports commentary. He joined TNT’s “Inside the NBA” team, where he has been a prominent analyst alongside Charles Barkley, Shaquille O’Neal, and Ernie Johnson.
In October 2024, reports indicated that Smith was exploring opportunities with other networks, including Amazon and NBC Sports, as TNT’s NBA broadcasting rights were set to expire after the 2025-26 season.
In December 2024, during a pregame show for the NBA Cup semifinal, Smith participated in a free-throw shooting contest against ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith. The event, filled with playful banter, concluded with Stephen A. Smith winning the contest.
As of March 2025, Smith continues to be a significant figure in sports media, providing insightful analysis and commentary on basketball.