Kenny Smith, known for his quickness and sharp shooting, played an integral role in the NBA during his career. Born on March 8, 1965, in Queens, New York, Smith honed his skills on the courts of Archbishop Molloy High School under the guidance of coach Jack Curran. His talent earned him a scholarship to the University of North Carolina, where he played under the legendary Dean Smith. At UNC, Smith developed into a proficient point guard, earning All-American honors and setting the stage for his entry into the NBA.
The Sacramento Kings selected Smith as the sixth overall pick in the 1987 NBA Draft. In his rookie season, he quickly established himself as a reliable point guard, averaging 13.8 points and 7.1 assists per game. His performance earned him a spot on the NBA All-Rookie First Team. Smith's speed and ability to distribute the ball made him a valuable asset to the Kings, but after two seasons, he was traded to the Atlanta Hawks.
Smith's time with the Hawks was brief, lasting only part of the 1989-1990 season before he was traded to the Houston Rockets. It was with the Rockets that Smith found his stride. Teaming up with Hakeem Olajuwon, Smith became an essential part of the Rockets' backcourt. His ability to hit three-pointers and run the fast break complemented Olajuwon's dominant inside presence. During the 1990-1991 season, Smith averaged 17.7 points and 7.1 assists per game, showcasing his ability to lead the team.
The pinnacle of Smith's career came during the mid-1990s when the Rockets won back-to-back NBA Championships in 1994 and 1995. In the 1994 NBA Finals against the New York Knicks, Smith's performance in Game 1 was particularly memorable. He scored 23 points, including hitting seven three-pointers, which was a record for three-pointers made in a Finals game at the time. His clutch shooting and steady play were instrumental in the Rockets' success.
Smith continued to play for the Rockets until 1996, when he was traded to the Detroit Pistons. His tenure with the Pistons was short-lived, as he played only nine games before being waived. He then signed with the Orlando Magic, where he played six games. Smith's final NBA stop was with the Denver Nuggets during the 1996-1997 season. After playing 33 games for the Nuggets, he decided to retire from professional basketball.
Throughout his NBA career, Smith was known for his speed, shooting accuracy, and ability to manage the game as a point guard. Over his ten-year career, he averaged 12.8 points, 5.5 assists, and 1.0 steals per game. His contributions to the Rockets' championship teams remain a highlight of his career, and his performance in the 1994 NBA Finals is often remembered by basketball enthusiasts.
After retiring from playing, Smith transitioned to a successful career in broadcasting.
🏀