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Introduction
Kenny Smith, also known as “The Jet,” is a former professional basketball player who played in the NBA for over a decade. In his career, Smith played for the Sacramento Kings, Atlanta Hawks, Houston Rockets, Detroit Pistons, Orlando Magic, and Denver Nuggets. He is also a two-time NBA champion, winning titles with the Rockets in 1994 and 1995.
Early Life and College Career
Smith was born on March 8, 1965, in Queens, New York. He attended Archbishop Molloy High School, where he played basketball and led his team to a New York City Catholic League championship. After high school, Smith went on to play college basketball at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
During his college career, Smith played for legendary coach Dean Smith and helped lead the Tar Heels to the Final Four in 1987 and 1991. He was also named a consensus All-American in 1987 and 1991.
NBA Career
Smith was selected by the Sacramento Kings with the sixth overall pick in the 1987 NBA draft. He played for the Kings for two seasons before being traded to the Atlanta Hawks in 1989. Smith played three seasons for the Hawks before being traded again, this time to the Houston Rockets in 1992.
It was with the Rockets that Smith had the most success in his NBA career. He won back-to-back championships with the team in 1994 and 1995, and was a key player on both teams. Smith played for the Rockets until 1996, when he was traded to the Detroit Pistons.
After playing for the Pistons for one season, Smith was traded to the Orlando Magic in 1997. He played for the Magic for two seasons before being traded to the Denver Nuggets in 1999. Smith played one season for the Nuggets before retiring from the NBA in 2000.
Kenny Smith’s Knees
Throughout his NBA career, Smith was known for his athletic ability and quickness on the court. However, he also suffered from knee injuries throughout his career. In 1996, Smith tore his ACL while playing for the Pistons, causing him to miss the rest of the season. He also had surgery on his knee in 1998 while playing for the Magic.
Despite these injuries, Smith was able to continue playing at a high level throughout his career. He was known for his ability to shoot three-pointers and make clutch shots in important moments.
Conclusion
Kenny Smith’s knees may have been a source of injury and pain throughout his NBA career, but he was still able to have a successful and memorable career. With two championships and a reputation as a clutch player, Smith will always be remembered as one of the top players of his era.
Whether you’re a fan of basketball or just interested in learning more about Kenny Smith, this guide has provided a comprehensive overview of his career and the impact his knees had on his performance. From his early days at UNC to his time in the NBA, Smith has left a lasting legacy in the world of basketball.
