What Happened to Kenneth "Kenny The Jet" Smith?
Kenny Smith is a two-time NBA champion who transitioned into a highly successful career as a sports commentator, most notably as a long-standing analyst on TNT's "Inside the NBA." As of 2026, he continues his prominent broadcasting roles, including an expanded presence with ESPN, and is engaged to Tia Jurcic.
Quick Answer
Kenny Smith, known as "The Jet," is a former NBA player and two-time champion with the Houston Rockets who has become a prominent sports commentator. He continues to be a key analyst on the Emmy Award-winning "Inside the NBA," which, starting with the 2025-26 NBA season, is licensed to ESPN. In November 2025, Smith also signed a separate multi-year agreement with ESPN for additional appearances on shows like "First Take" and "NBA Countdown." As of June 2026, he is engaged to Croatian model Tia Jurcic and is scheduled to speak at the Jupiter Festival in October 2026.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline16 events
Born in New York City
Kenneth Smith, nicknamed 'The Jet', was born in Brooklyn, New York.
McDonald's All-American
Smith was named a McDonald's All-American during his high school career at Archbishop Molloy.
Consensus First-Team All-American & NBA Draft
As a senior at the University of North Carolina, Smith earned consensus first-team All-American honors and was selected 6th overall in the NBA draft by the Sacramento Kings.
NBA All-Rookie First Team
Smith was named to the NBA All-Rookie First Team during his tenure with the Sacramento Kings.
First Marriage to Dawn Reavis
Kenny Smith married Mary Dawn Reavis, whom he met at UNC, and they had two children.
First NBA Championship
Smith won his first NBA championship with the Houston Rockets.
Second NBA Championship
Smith and the Houston Rockets secured their second consecutive NBA championship.
Joins Turner Sports' Inside the NBA
After retiring from playing, Smith began his highly successful broadcasting career as a studio analyst for "Inside the NBA" on TNT.
Second Marriage to Gwendolyn Osborne
Smith married actress and model Gwendolyn Osborne after meeting her at a charity event in 2004.
Gwendolyn Osborne Files for Divorce
Gwendolyn Osborne filed for divorce from Kenny Smith, which was finalized in 2021.
Signed Long-Term TNT Contract Extension
Smith signed a long-term contract extension with Warner Bros. Discovery Sports to continue his role on "Inside the NBA."
Published Memoir 'Talk of Champions'
Smith released his first book, "Talk of Champions: Stories of the People Who Made Me: A Memoir."
Announced Engagement to Tia Jurcic
Kenny Smith and Croatian model Tia Jurcic announced their engagement after dating for over two years.
Signed Multi-Year ESPN Deal
Smith signed a separate multi-year agreement with ESPN for appearances on shows like "First Take" and "NBA Countdown," expanding his media presence beyond "Inside the NBA."
Absent from March Madness Due to Illness
Kenny Smith was temporarily absent from NCAA Tournament studio coverage due to illness, with Renee Montgomery filling in.
Scheduled to Speak at Jupiter Festival
Kenny Smith was announced as a featured speaker for the inaugural Jupiter Festival in Miami, scheduled for October 2026.
🔍Deep Dive Analysis
Kenneth "Kenny The Jet" Smith, born on March 8, 1965, established himself as a formidable point guard during his collegiate career at the University of North Carolina, earning consensus first-team All-American honors in 1987. He was drafted sixth overall by the Sacramento Kings in the 1987 NBA Draft and was named to the NBA All-Rookie First Team in 1988. His playing career highlight came with the Houston Rockets, where he won back-to-back NBA championships in 1994 and 1995, playing a crucial role alongside Hakeem Olajuwon.
Following his 10-year NBA career, Smith seamlessly transitioned into sports broadcasting, joining Turner Sports in early 1998 as a studio analyst for "Inside the NBA." His sharp insights, quick wit, and engaging chemistry with co-analysts Charles Barkley and Shaquille O'Neal, and host Ernie Johnson Jr., have made the show an Emmy Award-winning staple of sports television. He also serves as an analyst for CBS/Turner during the NCAA Division I men's basketball tournament.
A significant turning point in his broadcasting career occurred in October 2022 when Smith signed a long-term contract extension with Warner Bros. Discovery Sports to continue with "Inside the NBA." This was further solidified in January 2025 when he reportedly re-signed with TNT Sports for the show, even as the NBA's broadcasting rights landscape shifted. In May 2023, Smith expanded his public profile by releasing his memoir, "Talk of Champions: Stories of the People Who Made Me," sharing personal anecdotes from his career.
The most recent developments in Smith's career and personal life occurred in late 2025 and 2026. In November 2025, with TNT losing exclusive NBA broadcasting rights, "Inside the NBA" was licensed to ESPN, and Smith, along with the rest of the crew, made the move. Concurrently, he signed a separate multi-year agreement with ESPN to appear on additional programming such as "First Take" and "NBA Countdown," and to serve as an analyst for select NBA games, significantly expanding his media presence. In his personal life, it was announced in October 2025 that Smith became engaged to Croatian model Tia Jurcic.
As of June 2026, Kenny Smith remains a prominent figure in basketball media, continuing his work on "Inside the NBA" and his expanded roles with ESPN. He was briefly absent from March Madness coverage in March 2026 due to illness but has since returned. He is also scheduled to be a featured speaker at the Jupiter Festival in Miami in October 2026, highlighting his continued relevance as a cultural commentator. Smith has also recently defended his relationship history, emphasizing the longevity of his past marriages.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if Kenneth "Kenny The Jet" Smith made different choices?