Kenny Smith started working with TNT in 1998. And as things stand, 2025 might be the last one. ‘The Jet’ did not like Charles Barkley’s retirement announcement one bit as he was kept in the dark just like the rest of the world. Even though Chuck ‘claims’ he will be retiring from his role, Kenny Smith has no such plans. The 2x NBA champion has broadened his portfolio and secured another gig and no, it’s not in broadcasting.

Kenny Smith checked in with Scoop B Radio during an NBL promotional run in New York City, where he discussed his new role for the league. Smith was announced as the Head of Next Stars Player Initiatives in North America. He also had one eye on the upcoming draft as Alexandre Sarr who was part of the program is expected to be a top-two draft pick, as per Smith.

“My position is to find the talent here in the States. Tell them why this is a valuable option and also let them know how to mentor them through that process. Carmelo’s role is a lot different from mine but, uh you know, that I’m basically if you look at it like a commissioner of the North America,” Smith said, via Brandon “Scoop B” Robinson. Robinson was quick to point out the similarity to Adam Silver’s role as commissioner. Smith corrected him and said commissioner-ish role. So what role does Carmelo Anthony have in the league?

The NBL currently has 10 teams, and Anthony will be the owner of an expansion team. As per the information available, the location of the expansion team is not yet decided. However, the former NBA player will have one more role in this overseas league. He will also be the global ambassador for their Next Stars program. When Robinson probed Smith about his views on Barkley’s retirement, he had a similar answer which he reiterated.

Kenny Smith told The Post, “He never called me. He never told me.” Smith added further, “He still hasn’t called me and told me, ‘Kenny, I’m retiring.'” Even though TNT has another year of NBA broadcasting, Charles Barkley’s announcement was sudden and unexpected.

Kenny Smith is not retiring unlike his best friend

Kenny Smith during the promotional event took center stage and started his introduction by jokingly stating “I’m Kenny Smith and I’m not retiring”. This earned him a few laughs and once again called out Barkley for his retirement news. “How do you say you’re going to retire and not call the people you work with? We’ll see”.

According to the last update by NBA Central, TNT has still not given up on the broadcasting rights and is hoping for a smaller fourth media rights package. This would include coverage of regular season games but the possibility of playoff season games would be less than before. This means the ‘Inside the NBA’ crew could once again be together but for fewer games.

Although Kenny Smith ended his statement with “We’ll see”. This highlights that Charles Barkley’s retirement news could not be true. Or ‘The Jet’ doesn’t want to believe that it could be a reality post-next season.

Stay tuned for more such updates, and to follow what Shaq’s ex-agent, Leonard Armato, has to say about the infamous Shaq-Kobe feud, Caitlin Clark’s Olympic snub, and more, watch this video.