Who is Kenny Smith? Age, Wife, Career, Children, Net Worth
Kenny Smith, widely known as “the Jet,” is a prominent American sports commentator and a retired professional basketball player celebrated for his tenure in the National Basketball Association (NBA).
Who is Kenny Smith?
His journey into basketball began during his formative years in Queens, New York, where he honed his skills at New York’s Riverside Church and Stephen A. Halsey Junior High School.
He continued to Archbishop Molloy High School, coached by the legendary Jack Curran, earning recognition as a McDonald’s All-American in 1983. His college basketball journey unfolded at the University of North Carolina, playing under the tutelage of Dean Smith.
Acknowledging the influence of former South Carolina State star Bobby Lewis on his development, Smith credited Lewis with shaping his shooting and ball-handling skills. Lewis’s impactful Basketball Skills Development Program became an integral part of Smith’s training regimen, a tradition he continues by incorporating Lewis’s drills into his basketball camps.
Post-retirement, Smith seamlessly transitioned into a successful career as a basketball commentator. Joining Turner Sports in 1998, he became a studio analyst for NBA regular seasons and playoffs. His notable work includes co-hosting Inside the NBA on TNT alongside Ernie Johnson Jr., Charles Barkley, and Shaquille O’Neal—a show that has earned the Sports Emmy Award for Outstanding Studio Show.
Beyond NBA coverage, Kenny Smith extended his expertise to the NCAA Division I men’s basketball tournament, contributing as an analyst for CBS/Turner. He also provided commentary for the MSG Network’s broadcasts of New York Knicks games from 2005 to 2008. His work in broadcasting elevated his public profile, making him a household name.
Smith’s involvement in various basketball events continued, with highlights such as winning the Shooting Stars Competition during the 2010 NBA All-Star Weekend. In August 2020, he left the set of Inside the NBA as a gesture of solidarity with teams boycotting games in response to the shooting of Jacob Blake.
Beyond basketball and broadcasting, Smith ventured into acting, playing the role of Leon Rich in the 2022 movie “Hustle,” alongside Adam Sandler and Juancho Hernangómez.
Kenny Smith Biography
Born on March 8, 1965, in Brooklyn, New York, Smith’s illustrious NBA career spanned from 1987 to 1997. He showcased his basketball prowess as a member of several teams, including the Sacramento Kings, Atlanta Hawks, Houston Rockets, Detroit Pistons, Orlando Magic, and Denver Nuggets. One of the highlights of his career was winning consecutive NBA championships with the Houston Rockets.
Kenny Smith Education
He is known to have attended Archbishop Molloy High School and the University of North Carolina.
Kenny Smith Second Wife
Gwendolyn Osborne happens to be the second wife of Kenny Smith. They married in 2006, however, the marriage was dissolved in 2018. She was born on August 7, 1978, and she is a well-known actress as well as a former model who spent over a decade on The Price Is Right as a model.
Born to a Jamaican mother and British father, Gwendolyn Osborne is the entrepreneur behind Lomolique, where she serves as the founder and CEO, venturing into the realm of skincare business. Additionally, Osborne plays a significant role as a lead board director for the She is Hope LA Foundation.
In March 2023, Osborne took on the role of hosting the red carpet event at the Best You Expo Awards, showcasing her versatility. Furthermore, she assumed the positions of moderator and panelist for the Modern Day Wife events, contributing her insights to discussions on contemporary married life.
Adding another dimension to her repertoire, Osborne delved into the world of podcasting in 2021 with her show “Tea with Gwen,” where she engages in insightful conversations with women from diverse backgrounds, exploring topics ranging from career pursuits to health and wellness.
Beyond the realms of business and podcasting, Osborne exhibits her talents in the realm of music. As a singer-songwriter, she introduced her single “Give My Love” to the world in 2021, showcasing her artistic expression and passion for music.
Kenny Smith New Girlfriend
According to widespread reports, his new girlfriend is Aline Bernardes. She is a well-known Brazilian model and they have been seen together a couple of times.
Does Kenny Smith have any children?
He is known to be a father. In fact, he is a proud father of four children – two from his first marriage and two from his second marriage. He is also a stepfather to the daughter of his second wife.
Kenny Smith Age
As of October 2023, Kenny Smith was 58 years old.
What are Kenny Smith’s contributions to basketball after his playing career?
Following his retirement as a professional basketball player, Kenny Smith transitioned into a successful career as a sports commentator. He is a renowned analyst on the Emmy Award-winning show “Inside the NBA” on TNT. Smith also covers NCAA Division I men’s basketball tournaments for CBS/Turner and has extended his expertise to various basketball events.
What is Kenny Smith’s relationship with Gwendolyn Osborne?
Kenny Smith and Gwendolyn Osborne got married on September 8, 2006. They share two children together. Despite facing challenges, including a divorce filing by Osborne in 2018, details about their current relationship status may not be publicly available.
Did Kenny Smith participate in acting?
Yes, Kenny Smith played the role of Leon Rich in the 2022 movie “Hustle,” alongside Adam Sandler and Juancho Hernangómez.
How did Kenny Smith earn the nickname “the Jet”?
Kenny Smith earned the nickname “the Jet” during his active playing career. This moniker likely stems from his incredible speed, agility, and quick movements on the basketball court, characteristics that made him stand out as a dynamic and fast-paced player.
What are some of Kenny Smith’s career highlights as a basketball player?
As a basketball player, Kenny Smith had an illustrious career. He played in the NBA from 1987 to 1997, representing several teams, including the Sacramento Kings, Atlanta Hawks, Houston Rockets, Detroit Pistons, Orlando Magic, and Denver Nuggets. One of his significant achievements was winning back-to-back NBA championships with the Houston Rockets.
How successful was Kenny Smith’s college basketball career?
Kenny Smith played college basketball with the North Carolina Tar Heels. His outstanding skills and contributions earned him consensus first-team All-American honors during his senior year in 1987.
Has Kenny Smith received any awards for his contributions to basketball commentary?
He has been a prominent figure in sports commentary, particularly on “Inside the NBA.” While specific awards for his commentary are not listed, “Inside the NBA” has received the Sports Emmy Award for Outstanding Studio Show, showcasing the success of the show as a whole.
Is Kenny the Jet Smith married?
No, he was not known to be married as of 2022. His last marriage ended in 2018 after 12 years.
Who is Kenny Smith’s Second Wife?
His second wife is known as Gwendolyn Osborne.
Did Kenny Smith Invest In Any Business Ventures?
Details about his business ventures are not known, however, we are sure he has quite a number of them considering his net worth.
How many kids does Kenny the Jet Smith have?
He has four children – two children from his first marriage and two from his second marriage. The names of his children are Kayla who is an R&B singer, K.J. who is a basketball player, Malloy and London.
Is Kenny Smith Married?
As of 2022, he was not known to be married. He has been divorced since 2018.
Kenny Smith Wife
As of 2022, he was not married, however, he has been married twice.
How much is Kenny Smith salary?
We gathered that he takes an annual salary of not less than $4 million.
Why did Kenny the Jet Smith retire?
His decision to retire was a personal one as he stated that it got to a point he felt that the game that he widely cherished didn’t cherish him back.
Kenny Smith Net Worth
Kenny Smith estimated net worth is not less than $15 million.
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