Kenny Smith

Kenny "The Jet" Smith never became an elite player in the NBA, but he was a consummate professional who brought savvy and speed to the court, capturing two NBA titles in the 1990s. Then, bringing his wit to a whole new generation of basketball fans who missed the Michael Jordan era, Smith became a broadcaster and studio analyst with Turner Sports shortly after retiring from the NBA.

Born Kenneth Smith on March 8, 1965 in Queens, NY, young Kenny developed his hoops game on the blacktop courts of New York City. He attended the renowned Catholic high school Archbishop Molloy in Queens, and made a name for himself on the basketball court, earning a McDonald's All-American nod in 1983. His skills on the hardwood catapulted him to the University of North Carolina, where he played under legendary coach Dean Smith. The team was very successful and brimming with talent, but UNC never got past the Elite 8 in the NCAA tournament while Kenny was there. Smith set numerous records for assists as a Tar Heel, many of which were surpassed by Ed Cota, Raymond Felton, and Kendall Marshall. He was named an AP All-American in 1986 and 1987, and graduated with a degree in economics, focused on industrial relations. The Sacramento Kings drafted the 6'3" Smith sixth overall in 1987. He played so well, he was named to the All-Rookie First Team. Smith's explosiveness quickly earned him the nickname "The Jet." Smith played point guard for 10 seasons with six teams, but his best years came as a member of the Houston Rockets. After all, what could be more logical than making The Jet a Rocket? Smith scored a career-high 41 points the day after Christmas in 1993, and things just got better from there. Alongside stellar center Hakeem Olajuwon, the Rockets soared to back-to-back titles in 1994 and 1995. In Game 1 of the 1995 finals, Smith had his most memorable game as a pro, as any tortured fan of Shaquille O'Neal's Orlando Magic can tell you. The Jet drained seven three-pointers, including one to tie the game at the end of regulation, as Nick Anderson was unable to hit any of his four late free throws. Smith set the tone for the sputtering Rockets, who went on to win that game in overtime and another championship soon after. For his career, Smith averaged a creditable 12.8 points and 5.5 assists per game, plus a career average of 48 percent on field goals, an impressive mark for a point guard. He is still the best three-point shooter in Rockets history, converting 40.7 percent of his treys for the franchise. Smith's economics degree came in handy after his playing days, when he shrewdly carved out a place for himself as a sportscaster and studio analyst for the Turner networks beginning in 1998. Smith covered both professional and college basketball, also working for several years on the MSG network for his hometown New York Knicks. Smith also became a mainstay on TNT's Emmy-winning "Inside the NBA" (1988- ), alongside Charles Barkley, Shaquille O'Neal, and Ernie Johnson (or more briefly, Chuck, Shaq, and Ernie). That raucous blend of personalities resulted in a dynamic and highly rated studio show, liberally blending astute analysis with youthful entertainment. Smith also parlayed his visibility as a TV personality into numerous roles in commercials for products like Hyundai and State Farm insurance. Smith married British model Gwendolyn Osborne in 2006, familiar to many viewers of the "The Price is Right" (CBS, 1972- ), where she works as one of the game show's famous beauties. The couple welcomed a son to the world in 2008, naming him Molloy after Smith's high school. Their daughter, London Olivia, was born in 2012. Smith also has two older children, a son named Kenny Jr. (who is also a talented young basketball player) and daughter Kayla Brianna. Kayla is no stranger to the spotlight, having worked as a child actor and teen singer, with some promotional help from her famous father.