Kenny Smith Net Worth 2024 and Salary: Kenny Smith, a former NBA champion turned sports analyst, holds a net worth of $22 million in 2024, earning a $4 million annual salary from TNT’s Inside the NBA, while his total earnings combine his decade-long NBA career income of $13.2 million and his broadcasting revenues since 1998.
Key Facts About Kenny Smith
- Kenny Smith’s net worth is estimated at $22 million in 2024.
- His annual TNT analyst salary amounts to $4 million.
- His NBA career spans 10 seasons from 1987 to 1997.
- He secured 2 NBA Championships with Houston Rockets in 1994 and 1995.
- His career statistics show averages of 12.8 points and 5.5 assists per games.
- His role as analyst on TNT’s Inside the NBA continues since 1998.
What Makes Kenny Smith’s Net Worth of $22 Million?
Kenneth Smith, known as “The Jet,” has built his $22 million net worth through a combination of his NBA career earnings of $13.2 million and his current annual salary of $4 million as a basketball analyst for TNT.
How Did Kenny Smith Begin His Journey?
Born on March 8, 1965, in Queens, New York, Smith grew up in the LeFrak City apartment complex. Under legendary high school coach Jack Curran at Archbishop Molloy High School, Smith developed into a McDonald’s All-American in 1983. His basketball prowess earned him a scholarship to the University of North Carolina, where he played alongside Michael Jordan under coach Dean Smith.
What Defined Kenny Smith’s Professional Basketball Career?
The Sacramento Kings selected Smith as the sixth overall pick in the 1987 NBA draft. His rookie season showcased remarkable talent, averaging 13.8 points and 7.1 assists per game, securing NBA All-Rookie First Team honors. His career peaked with the Houston Rockets (1990-1996), where he claimed two NBA championships in 1994 and 1995.
How Has Broadcasting Enhanced Smith’s Financial Success?
After retiring in 1997, Smith joined Turner Sports in 1998, becoming a key analyst on TNT’s “Inside the NBA” alongside Ernie Johnson Jr., Charles Barkley, and Shaquille O’Neal. The show’s multiple Sports Emmy Awards and Smith’s insightful analysis have established him as a respected voice in basketball broadcasting.
What Are Kenny Smith’s Income Sources?
Smith’s wealth flows from:
- TNT broadcasting salary ($4 million annually)
- NCAA tournament commentary work
- Speaking engagements
- Brand endorsements
- Past NBA career earnings
How Does Kenny Smith’s Personal Life Impact His Wealth?
Smith’s personal life includes two marriages. His first marriage produced two children, including daughter Kayla Brianna, an R&B singer, and son K.J., who followed his father’s footsteps at North Carolina. His second marriage to model Gwendolyn Osborne (2006-2018) added two more children to his family. These family responsibilities and divorce settlements have shaped his financial portfolio.
What Are Kenny Smith’s Career Statistics and Achievements?
His NBA career statistics showcase impressive numbers:
- Total points: 9,397 (12.8 ppg)
- Career assists: 4,073 (5.5 apg)
- Field goal percentage: 48%
- Three-point percentage: 39.9%
- Free throw percentage: 82.9%
Notable achievements include:
- Two NBA Championships (1994, 1995)
- NBA All-Rookie First Team (1988)
- Consensus first-team All-American (1987)
- First-team All-ACC (1987)
What Recent Developments Affect Kenny Smith’s Net Worth?
In October 2022, Smith secured a long-term contract extension with Warner Bros. Discovery Sports, solidifying his position on “Inside the NBA.” This renewal reflects his enduring value in sports broadcasting and contributes to his wealth accumulation.
What’s Making Headlines About Kenny Smith Recently?
On December 14, 2024, Smith participated in a highly publicized free-throw shooting contest against ESPN personality Stephen A. Smith during the 2024 Emirates NBA Cup semifinals. The outdoor competition gained attention when Kenny Smith, shooting left-handed to level the playing field, was defeated by Stephen A. Smith. The event, featuring additional entertainment segments with Shaquille O’Neal, demonstrated Smith’s ongoing prominence in basketball media and his ability to generate public interest, reinforcing his value as a sports analyst.
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