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Kenny Smith Salary – TNT Host Earns Millions More Annually Than His Lifetime NBA Earnings

Published 04/23/2024, 12:27 PM EDT

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Kenny Smith, known as “The Jet” in the NBA, is currently recognized for his work in sports broadcasting after having an illustrious basketball career. The striking disparity between his compensation as an NBA player and his current TNT host salary may surprise many people. Kenny Smith was notorious for his achievements on the basketball court.

However, his post-retirement wealth in sports broadcasting represents the industry’s abundant potential. His revenues have exceeded his most optimistic NBA dreams, highlighting the sector’s growth. But how much does Kenny Smith earn?

Kenny Smith: Creating a broadcasting footprint

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The 2X NBA champ Kenny Smith was undoubtedly one of the fastest and most accurate NBA players in the modern era. In his professional basketball career, Smith has scored more than 9,000 points. For a total of 5 years, he spent his career in the top 10 NBA lists for both 3-point and free-throw percentages.

Kenny Smith now receives an astounding $16 million in salary annually. The estimated NBA career earnings of Kenny Smith is over $13 million, a significant portion of which comes from his time with the Houston Rockets. So his broadcast career earnings exceed his NBA career earnings, though the number represents his prosperous career as a basketball player. Smith’s ride from playing basketball to the broadcast room is how athletics and media coexist harmoniously. It further establishes him as a notable person in the sports sector.

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The former NBA player went on to become an internationally recognized and experienced basketball analyst and commentator. He has won multiple Emmys for his TNT series Inside the NBA responses. Soon after, Smith began hosting a podcast/show program called Baseline 2 Baseline. On which he conducted interviews with prominent NBA players and provided behind-the-scenes insights into NBA plays.

Business initiatives: Going beyond sports

As a talented point guard, Kenny Smith gained notoriety by playing a major role in the Houston Rockets’ 2X NBA Championship wins in the middle of the 1990s. His on-court accomplishments built his reputation, which he carried over into a prosperous career as a sports broadcaster following retirement. Smith is respected for his perceptive analysis, affable style, and connection with other hosts on TNT’s Inside the NBA. This change highlights a grasp of the game from multiple perspectives.

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Moreover, Smith has proven to have a strong knowledge of business and personal branding. His efforts in encountering basketball camps and being involved in other sports-related enterprises show his understanding. In addition to boosting his net worth, this aspect of his career symbolizes a larger trend in which public celebrities and athletes expand their sources of revenue and personal brands.

The effect of Kenny Smith’s campaigning and philanthropic endeavors particularly in the “Kenny Smith Foundation” is noteworthy. He is the founder of the Kenny Smith Foundation, which strives to give impoverished kids access to sports and education. His drive to social justice, educational programs, and community development shows a commitment to having an impact that helps off the court. By use of his position, Smith has participated in key conversations regarding societal concerns to promote reform and aid impoverished communities.

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Written by:

Arya Patil

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Arya is an NBA writer at EssentiallySports. She skillfully combines her academic acumen with a passion for the game that she developed over years of watching the ups and downs of the NBA. Arya is a seasoned journalist who provides fans with a detailed look at the league's inner workings.
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Edited by:

Caroline Joseph