
USA Today via Reuters
May 20, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; TNT television personality Kenny Smith prior to game one of the Eastern Conference Finals of the NBA Playoffs between the Atlanta Hawks and the Cleveland Cavaliers at Philips Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

USA Today via Reuters
May 20, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; TNT television personality Kenny Smith prior to game one of the Eastern Conference Finals of the NBA Playoffs between the Atlanta Hawks and the Cleveland Cavaliers at Philips Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
Kenny Smith is all set to level up the style game for his AAU team, even if it means going against his gut. The former NBA star has partnered with Nike for the outfit of his Jet Academy. The surprising part is that this partnership comes even after Smith’s harsh take on one of the $110.4 billion worth brand’s products. The two-time NBA champ shared the update through his social media handle.
In his Instagram story, Smith showed off zipper hoodies in a striking all-red colorway. They’re bold, clean, and feature some sharp details—like black and dark grey accents on the sides. The Nike swoosh is, meanwhile, proudly displayed on the right chest. The left side is all about Jet Academy, complete with its logo.
There’s even a little something extra: the EYBL logo on the left sleeve, adding another layer of prestige to the look. Let’s be honest. The crisp white logos against the red hoodie? That’s a vibe. It’s a slick move for Kenny Smith, even if you remember his infamous 2017 dig at one of Nike’s high-tech products.
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Back then Smith got up close with Nike’s HyperAdapt 1.0 sneakers—the auto-lacing ones, if you recall. While the futuristic kicks wowed some, the former Houston Rockets star wasn’t sold. In a lighthearted jab, he joked that “anybody over 11 should have an explanation” for wearing them, even calling the shoes “self-lazy.”

via Imago
SANTA MONICA, CA – JUNE 25: Kenny Smith arrives to the NBA Awards Show 2018 held at Barker Hangar on June 25, 2018 in Santa Monica, California. (Photo by Michael Tran/FilmMagic)
But it’s all water under the bridge. Those comments were more playful than personal. So it’s clear that Smith had no serious criticism as such against Nike that would’ve stained the possibility of any relationship with the brand. And there could not have been a better opportunity for the collab than his AAU academy.
Kenny Smith’s Jet Academy played an important role for young hoopers during the global pandemic
Remember 2020? The world stood still, gyms were locked, and young hoopers everywhere were left wondering how to keep their basketball dreams alive. That’s when Smith, two-time NBA champion and analyst, swooped in with a game-changer. He launched a virtual basketball camp of his Jet Academy—designed to keep the grind going even when the courts were empty.
Imagine getting real-time advice from NBA and WNBA stars right in your living room. That’s what the Jet Academy was all about. The 2x NBA champ brought together an all-star lineup to guide young athletes through live drills and offer constructive feedback. But most importantly, keep the passion for the game alive. With a price tag of just $29 a month, it was a steal for anyone looking to up their game during a tough time.
Sure, it wasn’t quite AAU or a sweaty gym session, but the Jet Academy was the next best thing. And let’s talk about the roster of guests who partnered up and broadcast live sessions for young hoopers. Sue Bird, Breanna Stewart, Kemba Walker, Trae Young, Brittney Griner, Victor Oladipo. It’s clear Kenny Smith has always had a vision for his academy. And the new uppers in collaboration with Nike could be a hint at something bigger.
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