Kenny Smith: The Man Behind The Mic And The Hoop

How Much is Kenny Smith Really Worth?

Let’s talk about Kenny Smith, the guy who's been a household name in basketball circles for decades. With a net worth of $22 million, this former NBA star has more than just a few dunks under his belt. After hanging up his sneakers in 1997, Kenny didn’t miss a beat. He smoothly transitioned into broadcasting, landing a spot on TNT’s "Inside the NBA," where he co-hosts alongside legends like Ernie Johnson Jr., Charles Barkley, and Shaquille O’Neal. The show is a must-watch for basketball fans everywhere, and Kenny’s sharp wit and insights keep the audience coming back for more.

Earning Big Bucks: Kenny Smith's Salary

Back in his NBA days, Kenny earned a cool $13 million from his time on the court. But here’s the kicker—he’s still making bank as a commentator. Every year, TNT hands him a $4 million paycheck for his work as a basketball analyst. That’s not too shabby for a guy who knows how to break down the game with both passion and precision.

Growing Up Kenny: Early Life and Roots

Kenny wasn’t always the big-name star we know today. Born Kenneth Cornelius Smith on March 8, 1965, in Queens, New York, he grew up in LeFrak City, a housing development that shaped his early years. His high school years were spent at Archbishop Molloy High School, where he played under the legendary coach Jack Curran. Curran, known as one of the most successful high school basketball coaches in the U.S., helped mold Kenny into the player he would become. It was during this time that Kenny earned the prestigious McDonald's All-American title in 1983, setting the stage for his future in basketball.

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College Days: The University of North Carolina

After high school, Kenny headed to the University of North Carolina, where he played alongside another basketball legend, Michael Jordan, under the guidance of the iconic Coach Dean Smith. As a freshman, Kenny showed promise, averaging 9.1 points and 5 assists per game. This was just the beginning of what would become an incredible journey in the world of basketball.

From Rookies to Rings: Kenny's Professional Career

Kenny’s professional journey started with the Sacramento Kings, where he was drafted sixth overall in the 1987 NBA Draft. His rookie year was nothing short of spectacular, averaging 13.8 points and 7.1 assists per game, which earned him a spot on the NBA All-Rookie Team. After three seasons with the Kings, he was traded to the Houston Rockets in 1990. In Houston, Kenny not only improved his game but also helped lead the team to two NBA championships in 1994 and 1995. During his time with the Rockets, he averaged 17.7 points per game and helped secure a 52-30 record, the best regular-season record in franchise history at that time.

After leaving the Rockets, Kenny bounced around a bit, playing briefly for the Detroit Pistons, Orlando Magic, and finally the Denver Nuggets, where he finished his career in the 1996-97 season. When he retired, Kenny held the Denver Nuggets' franchise record for career three-point percentage at an impressive .425. Over his career, he scored a total of 9,397 points and racked up 4,073 assists, leaving a lasting legacy on the court.

From the Court to the Couch: Kenny's Broadcasting Career

After calling it quits as a player, Kenny didn’t miss a beat. In 1998, he stepped into the broadcasting world with Turner Sports, where he quickly became a fan favorite. His role as a studio analyst on "Inside the NBA" has earned the show multiple Sports Emmy Awards for Outstanding Studio Show. Kenny’s insights, paired with his humor and charm, make him a standout in the world of sports broadcasting. He’s also lent his voice to NBA TV and provided commentary for the NCAA tournament on CBS/Turner. From 2005 to 2008, he even covered New York Knicks games on the MSG Network, proving that his versatility knows no bounds.

Life Beyond the Game: Kenny's Personal Life

Kenny’s life isn’t just about basketball; he’s also a family man. He was first married to Dawn Reavis, with whom he has two children—daughter Kayla Brianna, an emerging R&B artist, and son K.J., who followed in his dad’s footsteps to play basketball at the University of North Carolina. Later, from 2006 to 2018, Kenny was married to former "Price is Right" model Gwendolyn Osborne. Together, they have two children: son Malloy, born in 2008, and daughter London, born in 2012. Kenny also stepped into the role of stepfather to Osborne’s daughter Monique from a previous relationship. Off the court, Kenny’s life is filled with love, family, and a passion for life that extends far beyond the game he loves.