Net Worth Ranker
What Is Kenny Smith’s Net Worth?
Kenny Smith, a retired American professional basketball player and current television basketball analyst, has accumulated a net worth of $22 million. This valuation reflects his earnings from a decade-long NBA career, subsequent broadcasting roles, and potential investments.
NBA Career Earnings and Broadcasting Salary
During his NBA career, spanning from 1987 to 1997, Kenny Smith earned a little more than $13 million in salary. His transition to broadcasting for Turner Sports in 1998 marked the beginning of a successful second career. As a co-host of TNT’s “Inside the NBA,” alongside Ernie Johnson Jr., Charles Barkley, and Shaquille O’Neal, Kenny earns an annual salary of $4 million.
Early Life and Education
Kenneth Cornelius Smith was born on March 8, 1965, in Queens, New York. He spent his childhood in the LeFrak City apartment development, located in Queens. Smith attended Archbishop Molloy High School, where he honed his basketball skills under the guidance of coach Jack Curran. Curran, renowned as the high school coach with the most basketball game wins in the United States, also mentored other NBA players, including Brian Winters, Kevin Joyce, Robert Werdann, and Kenny Anderson. In 1983, Smith’s basketball prowess earned him the honor of being named a McDonald’s All-American. Following high school, Smith pursued higher education at the University of North Carolina, where he played on the basketball team under the tutelage of coach Dean Smith, alongside Michael Jordan. During his freshman year, he averaged 9.1 points and 5 assists per game.
Professional Basketball Career: Sacramento Kings and Houston Rockets
Kenny Smith commenced his professional basketball journey with the Sacramento Kings, who selected him as the sixth overall pick in the 1987 NBA draft. In his debut season, he made a significant impact, averaging 13.8 points and 7.1 assists per game, which earned him a spot on the NBA All-Rookie Team. He continued his tenure with the Kings until the 1989-90 season when he was traded to the Houston Rockets. Smith’s time with the Rockets, spanning six seasons, saw him achieve notable milestones, including averaging 17.7 points per game and contributing to the team’s 52-30 record, which at the time was the franchise’s best regular season record. Furthermore, he played a pivotal role in the Rockets’ two NBA championship victories.
Later NBA Career and Retirement
Following his departure from the Rockets after the 1995-96 season, Smith joined the Detroit Pistons. However, his stint with the Pistons was brief, as he only played nine games before being waived and subsequently signed by the Orlando Magic. His time with the Magic was equally short-lived, lasting only six games before his release. Smith then signed with the Denver Nuggets, where he completed the remainder of the 1996-97 season before retiring from professional basketball. At the time of his retirement, he held the Denver Nuggets’ franchise record for career three-point percentage at .425. Over the course of his NBA career, Smith amassed a total of 9,397 points, averaging 12.8 points per game, and recorded 4,073 assists, averaging 5.5 assists per game.
Broadcasting Career: “Inside the NBA” and Beyond
After retiring from professional basketball in 1998, Kenny Smith transitioned to television as a studio analyst for Turner Sports. He became a fixture on “Inside the NBA,” alongside Ernie Johnson Jr., Charles Barkley, and Shaquille O’Neal. The show has garnered critical acclaim, including the Sports Emmy Award for Outstanding Studio Show. In addition to “Inside the NBA,” Smith also appears on NBA TV and has provided commentary for the NCAA tournament on CBS/Turner. From 2005 to 2008, he served as a commentator for New York Knicks games broadcast on the MSG Network.
Personal Life and Family
Kenny Smith’s first marriage was to Dawn Reavis, with whom he has two children. His daughter, Kayla Brianna, is a rising R&B artist, and his son, K.J., followed in his father’s footsteps by playing basketball at the University of North Carolina. From 2006 to 2018, Smith was married to former “Price is Right” model Gwendolyn Osborne. They initially met at a charity event in 2004. Together, Smith and Osborne have two children: a son, Malloy (born in 2008), and a daughter, London (born in 2012). Smith also served as a stepfather to Osborne’s daughter, Monique, from a previous relationship.
Net Worth Components and Potential Investments
Kenny Smith’s $22 million net worth is comprised of his NBA career earnings, broadcasting salary, and potential investments. While specific details of his investments are not publicly available, it is reasonable to assume that he has diversified his assets into various sectors, such as real estate, stocks, or private equity. His consistent income from “Inside the NBA” provides a stable foundation for future wealth accumulation.
NBA Salary Details
While specific year-by-year salary figures for Kenny Smith’s NBA career are not readily accessible, it is known that he earned over $13 million during his time in the league. His salary would have varied depending on the team he played for, his performance, and the prevailing NBA salary structure at the time. During his prime years with the Houston Rockets, his salary would have been at its peak, reflecting his contributions to the team’s success.
“Inside the NBA” Contract Details
Specific details of Kenny Smith’s contract with Turner Sports for his role on “Inside the NBA” are not publicly disclosed. However, it is known that he earns an annual salary of $4 million for his contributions to the show. Contract negotiations would have taken into account his experience, popularity with viewers, and the show’s overall success. It is likely that his contract includes provisions for bonuses based on ratings and other performance metrics.
Property Assets
Details regarding Kenny Smith’s real estate holdings are not publicly available. It is possible that he owns properties in various locations, including his hometown of New York City, or in areas where he has spent significant time during his basketball career or broadcasting career. Without specific information, it is difficult to assess the value of his real estate assets.
Luxury Vehicles
Information about Kenny Smith’s personal vehicle collection is not readily accessible. Celebrities often maintain a degree of privacy regarding their personal assets, including their cars. Without verified information, it is not possible to provide details about the makes and models of any luxury vehicles he may own.
Charitable Activities and Public Appearances
Specific details about Kenny Smith’s charitable contributions and public appearances are not comprehensively documented in the provided information. As a public figure, he likely participates in various charitable events and community initiatives. Further research into his philanthropic activities could provide more detailed information in this area.
Net Worth Growth Over Time
It is difficult to pinpoint Kenny Smith’s exact net worth progression throughout his career without precise financial records. However, his net worth has likely grown steadily due to earnings from his NBA career, his broadcasting career, and any successful investments that he made. Over time, his astute business decisions and effective management of his finances have contributed to his overall financial prosperity.
