Over eight seasons from 2000-01 to 2007-08, McGrady averaged 26.3 points, 6.4 rebounds, 5.5 assists, 1.7 threes and 1.4 steals. Even still, he's top 75 in career points, 30th in career wins over replacement player and 19th in career BPM. Smith helped to force a game seven against Seattle by scoring 30 points, shooting 46 from three-point range, in a Game 6 victory for Houston. He's top 50 all-time in career points, rebounds, blocks and wins over replacement player. The Rockets then went 5527 in 199293, losing to the Seattle SuperSonics in the second round of the playoffs in seven games. Kenny Lofton is still on the outside looking in. He also makes far more than Smith could ever dream of at least if you count up his net worth $400 million compared to $20 million. He was a ball-dominant point forward who did most of his damage inside the arc. Smith won NBA championships with the Houston Rockets in 1994 and 1995. He wasn't on Inside the NBA and he's not at the Hall of Fame Ceremony. [1] Smith played sparingly for the playoff-bound Pistons and the Magic, but got the last meaningful playing time of his career with the Nuggets, a team that won only 21 games that season. Kenny Smith, Co-Executive Producer. A Career Before Country Music. "He always seems to know where that crack in the wall is," former Celtics coach K.C. Kenny Smith was put to the sword yet again by Charles Barkley - this time for his choice of shoes. Kenneth Ray Rogers entered country music with a broad musical background. Here, you might have found an equal, since Smith won championships and had more assists. It even has its own Emmy-nominated . Jerry Smith held an NFL scoring record for 27 years. Smith was named a Consensus All-American (1st Team) as senior in 1987, averaging 16.9 points, 6.1 assists per game while helping North Carolina to return to the Elite Eight. Right, Born: ABC. As Smith has described, Barkley brings the flashlight, but Smith is the floodlight. Or write about sports? Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. Overall, Smith averaged 6.3 points and 2.4 assists per game, the lowest averages of his career, while his three-point percentage of .437 (59/135) was the second highest of his career, and the fourth season in which he shot better than 40 percent on three-pointers. Theyve created something bigger than basketball, where people dont always watch the game, they watch the show. Today, six players were inducted in the Hall of Fame. Logos were compiled by the amazing SportsLogos.net. In order to be considered for this list, players must have appeared on the Hall of Fame ballot and since fallen off by way of failing to reach 75 percent before hitting the year limit or the 5 percent needed to stick around on the ballot. Kenny Smith was born on December 31, 1981. In 2022, Smith was inducted into the North Carolina Media and Journalism Hall of Fame. The Hall of Fame also awarded the John Bunn Lifetime Achievement award to Tim Nugent, the founder of the National Wheelchair Basketball Association and a lifelong advocate for accessibility and . We know that. [35], In October 2022, Smith signed a long-term contract extension with Warner Bros. The Pro Football Hall of Fame vote is Saturday, and one player has already been done an injustice. Kenny Smith was born in Queens, New York. Some sports stars become famous over time. He has been largely ignored by the Hall Of Fame. Kenny Lofton is a 17-year major leaguer whose time on the Hall of Fame ballot lasted only one year. AllstatscourtesyofBasketballReference. One of the best big men of his era, Hall of Famer Walt Bellamy is top 50 in NBA history in career points, rebounds, field goals, free throws, minutes and win shares.. Kenny Smith is a managing director at Crystal Financial, responsible for sourcing and structuring new transactions from a nationwide network of private equity firms, commercial banks, and other intermediaries. Our reasoning for presenting offensive logos. Like Hill, Tracy McGrady's career and top-75 resume were thoroughly affected by injuries. His assist numbers look pretty tame in comparison to today's big playmakers like Nikola Jokic and Bam Adebayo, but Gasol's career assist percentage ranks third among players 7'0" and taller. [14] Smith was traded to the Atlanta Hawks midway through the 198990 season, where he was a reserve player for the first time in his career, averaging 7.7 points per game while only starting five of thirty-games he played for the Hawks as a backup to team captain Doc Rivers. Smith graduated from the University of North Carolina in 1987 with a degree in Industrial Relations. His career numbers may fall a bit short of traditional Hall of Fame benchmarks, but his 8-3 record and 2.59 ERA in 132 career playoff innings help prop up his resume, and his peak performance stacks up against any pitcher from the past 50 years. [1], After the 198990 season, Smith was traded to the Houston Rockets where he would spend the next six seasons. The Country Music Hall of Fame had a "catch-up" year in 2001, in which they had 12 honorees (rather than the usual three). Little did he know, that in 2016, that same fresh faced centerfielder would be immortalized in baseball history, as a member of the Hall of Fame. Kenny Smith was drafted by Sacramento Kings, 1st round (6th pick, 6th overall), 1987 NBA Draft. In 2021, Mr. Smith received the 16th Annual National Civil Rights Museum Sports Legacy Award for his dedication and significant contributions to civil and human rights, the social justice movement, and for laying the foundation for future leaders through their careers in sports. He did something most athletes cant do he made a name for himself with a second act. After averaging 13.8 points and 7.1 assists per game with the Sacramento Kings, Smith was named a member of the NBA All-Rookie team in 1988. Do you have a sports website? His voting support jumped from 23.2 to 39.8 percent in his final year on the ballot, and it's fair to wonder if he might have ultimately made the cut under the previous 15-year limits rather than the new 10-year cutoff. In 1992, he recorded a 43% shot average from downtown. However, since he's still on the ballot, he was not eligible to be the choice here. "L.A. wouldnt have those two championships without Pau Gasol. Kenny Smith is a veritable punching bag of sorts on Inside the NBA - at least most of the time. He was a World Series winner in 1977 and 1978, and his 68.0 career WAR ranks 10th all-time among third basemen. McGrady's 9.8 offensive BPM that season, when he averaged32.1 points, 5.5 assists and 2.3 threes, is the second-highestsingle-season mark on record. [24][25], The Rockets released Smith after the 199596 season, and he signed with the Detroit Pistons. Height: 6-3. The HOF applies to media members as well who've made a significant contribution to basketball. They have two children together. No. It was much more difficult to guard a guy like that. Smith's 7 three pointers in the first game of the 1995 NBA Finals was an NBA record at the time. Kenny Smith is currently an analyst for TNTs Inside the NBA. Of Lewis, Smith said, "He's the best lecturer ever. The win against the Lakers also marked the final NBA game for Magic Johnson, who returned to the NBA that season after a five-year absence. [1] The Rockets finished fifth in the NBA Western Conference with a 4834 record, upsetting the fourth-seeded Los Angeles Lakers in the first round before being swept in the second round by eventual Finals runner-up Seattle SuperSonics. The Class of 2023 will be officially enshrined in the Hall of Fame on Saturday, Aug. 12. The full list of nominees from the North American and women's . Durant, a four-time scoring champion, now sets his sights on Hakeem Olajuwon in 12th place. KENNY "BANG BANG" BOGNER PEE WEE BONITO DAVE BONTEMPO MIKE BORAO JOE BORRELL JOHNNY BOS . Four-time NBA champion Manu Ginobili is among the first-time candidates for Hall of Fame induction. We have tools and resources that can help you use sports data. Player stats broken down into various categories; i.e. It's not that Jerry Smith deserves . Paul Kennedy/Sports Illustrated via Getty Images. They may need to have another catch-up year. Learn more and register. UNCASVILLE, Conn. Mike Breen remembers the way he was taught the game of basketball, and quickly learned that it is best when the five players on the floor work as one. If Kenny is inducted as a media member, he won't be a Hall of Famer as a player. Currently on Ballot . That has only been accomplished at the shortstop position by Derek Jeter, Cal Ripken Jr, Ozzie Smith, and Omar Vizquel. . It was much more difficult to guard a guy like that.". Prior to the rise of the Bad Boys Detroit Pistons of the late 1980s, Bob Lanier was a bruising big man who dominated in the Motor City. [10][11], During his career at North Carolina, Smith averaged 12.9 points and 6.0 assists per game, while shooting .512 from the field, and .823 from the free throw line. SPRINGFIELD, MA The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame today announced the list of eligible candidates for the Class of 2022, including numerous high-profile first-time nominees includingManu Ginobili,Tom ChambersandLindsey Whalen, as well as candidates who have previously been on the ballot inChauncey BillupsandSwin Cash. He wrapped up his 22-year career with 390 home runs and 1,314 RBI, earning six All-Star selections and winning two Gold Glove Awards. "If I put Kevin McHale or Bill Walton on him, he just yawns and says 'Oh, well, another little guy on me.'". In fact, over half of the top 75 are behind Jokic in MVP shares. Nominee. Smith girls basketball hosts Triton in the NCHSAA second round of the playoffs on Thursday, Feb . The Orlando forward played only 11 games this season after missing two years with a torn ACL. What's more, much of what happens on defense isn't specifically measured anywhere. He's 78th in blocks and 32nd in BPM. Smith works with the hitters and focused. Kenny Smith has not been elected into the Hockey Hall of Fame. The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame will enshrine a new class of legends in Springfield, Massachusetts, this summer. The Country Music Hall of Fame officially inducted the members of its 2020 class of inductees Dean Dillon, Marty Stuart, and Hank Williams, Jr.with a ceremony Sunday (Nov. 21, 2021) at the . Honorable Mentions: Bill Freehan, Jason Kendall, Lance Parrish, Jorge Posada. Shaqs career averages were 23.7 points, 2.5 assists, and 10.9 rebounds that puts him behind Smith with assists. Kenny joined Crystal in 2011 as a member of its underwriting and portfolio management team. ITS OVA LADIES AND GENTLEMEN. 12 on that list was left-hander John Franco. Three men have been chosen to be inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2022 . Scott Rolen belongs in the Hall of Fame, and with another nice bump of support in 2021, he appears to be well on his way to getting there before his time on the ballot comes to an end. Kobe Bryant, Tim Duncan and Kevin Garnett take their places among the legends. THIS THREAD IS OVA. Some people don't like him but I absolutely love him as part of the TNT crew. And some, like Kobe Bryant, were stars from the very beginning. He was a dynamic catalyst atop some loaded Cleveland lineups in his prime, and he became a hired gun for a number of playoff-bound teams later in his career. Smith always maintained a good shooting average, was a great leader, and a perfect match for Olajuwon. - The Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame announced the team rosters for the 2023 Western Massachusetts Senior High School All-Star Games. Over a 10-year peak that lasted from 1979-80 to 1988-89, Dantley averaged 25.7 points per 75 possessions with a blistering 62.5 true shooting percentage. Dirk Nowitzki and the Mavericks defeat LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, Chris Bosh and the Heat in the 2011 NBA Finals. Obviously his playing career alone won't help him make the Hall of Fame. In both cases, he trails only Michael Jordan and LeBron James, arguably the two greatest players of all time. Kenny Smith averaged 12.8 points, 2.0 rebounds, and 5.5 assists per game. He spent ten years in Cleveland, from 1992-2001, and finished out his career in 2007 with the . From humble thanks to a sense of accomplishment, the 2021 Class brought its own brand of emotion. Allen Jr., Allison Graham Rogers Towers, P.A. Kenny Smith PG. The 2023 season will be the last in which the playoff has a four-team format. During the decade of the 90's, Lofton generated more value than several of his Hall-worthy contemporaries including: Mark McGwire (44.3), Roberto Alomar (43), Cal Ripken (42.3), and Mike Piazza (39.8). In 1988, he was the best pitcher on the planet, throwing a record 59 straight scoreless innings while going 23-8 with a 2.26 ERA and leading the National League in complete games (15) and shutouts (eight) to win NL Cy Young. The finalists for the Class of 2022 will be announced during All-Star weekend in February. He won two scoring titles, averaged over 30 in each of four straight seasons from 1980-81 to 1983-84 and his 24.3 points per game for his career ranks 18th in NBA history. [1] He finished in the NBA top ten in three-point percentage three times (199293, 199394, 199495), and top ten in free throw percentage twice (199293 and 199394). He was more than an average point guard, even if he was never a superstar like his costars. Some of the players named to the 75th Anniversary Team who trail Jokic on that list include Kawhi Leonard, Willis Reed, Jason Kidd, George Gervin, Bob Cousy and more. [8][9] He led North Carolina to the Elite Eight in 1985, losing to eventual national champion Villanova. Smith won his first Grand American trophy in the Parent/Child race in 1969 and would repeat again in 1972 and 1988. You can't mix playing career, coaching career, media career, etc. New Jersey Boxing Hall of Fame 52nd Annual Induction & Award Ceremonies - Photos taken by Samad Haq & James Brandon . Kenneth Smith College Basketball at Sports-Reference.com, Scores from any date in BAA/NBA or ABA history, Frequently Asked Questions about the NBA, WNBA and Basketball, Basketball-Reference.com Blog and Articles, Subscribe to Stathead Basketball: Get your first month FREE. MORE: Inside the most clandestine hall of fame voting process in all of sports. The former Tar Heels star is a Hall of Fame instigator, but unfortunately for his image as an analyst, his real entertainment value is as a prop . He put together seven straight seasons with at least 30 home runs while playing with the Toronto Blue Jays, San Diego Padres and Atlanta Braves, and the trade that brought him to Atlanta at the 1993 deadline helped bolster a team on the rise. His dunk contest commentary is legendary. North Carolina never finished lower than 8th in the national polls during Smith's four years at the school. From 1999-00 to 2008-09, Carter averaged 23.9 points (and never fell below 20 for a season), 5.4 rebounds, 4.4 assists and 1.6 threes. . There are statistical, cultural and other arguments for dozens whose names weren't called. Today, he has a production company as well. Some never make it in their chosen field. The Kings werent a great team though, with a record of 24-58, giving the rookie a record 35 minutes of court time per game. [33], While on the Scoop B Radio Podcast in 2017, Smith told Brandon Scoop B Robinson that the 1994 Houston Rockets would have beaten Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls had they faced each other in the NBA Finals. Kenny Smith is 41 years old. Edit: Although the few that have made the HoF as broadcasters, are incredibly revered which is why I doubt Smith has much of a chance. "It was just a matter of growing into it." NBA.com is part of Warner Media, LLCs Turner Sports & Entertainment Digital Network, *Translations are limited to select pages, Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame inductees, 2021 Class made many stops en route to Springfield, Gratitude, pride mark 2021 Hall of Fame on 9/11, Ex-NBA player Morrow facing assault charges, Durant passes 'Big O' for 13th in career points, NBA Fantasy: Under-the-radar additions for playoffs, Magic's Isaac (torn adductor) out for rest of season, Triple-double win streak shows Jokic dominance, NBA DFS Picks: Yahoo plays and strategy for March 3, Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. I feel like it has to be something major to miss Inside the NBA being inducted as well as his championship coach. Smith is an analyst, alongside Charles Barkley, Shaquille ONeal and Ernie Johnson, host Inside the NBA, which has won four (4) Sports Emmy Awards for Outstanding Studio Show Daily. It might be easier to make a case for Omar Vizquel being the best shortstop not currently in the Hall of Fame than it is to make a case that he's deserving of enshrinement. Lofton comes in just under the bar. [1][6], Kenny Smith credits former South Carolina State star Bobby Lewis with his development as a shooter and ballhandler. The Enshrinement ceremony will takeplace in Springfield, Mass., September 9-10, 2022. Honorable Mentions: Dick Allen, Norm Cash, Carlos Delgado, Steve Garvey, Keith Hernandez, Gil Hodges, Don Mattingly, Mark McGwire, John Olerud, Rafael Palmeiro, Boog Powell. But I'd like to see him there one day because of his contribution to the game of basketball via TNT. While it may be a bit difficult to argue his case for induction, he's the best reliever in the "Hall of Very Good" at the moment. His longevity made him one of just 16 pitchers to pitch in 1,000 career games, and his 1,119 appearances actually rank third behind Jesse Orosco (1,252) and Mike Stanton (1,178). 306, is indeed grateful to be among your ranks tonight, and I thank you for welcoming me into . Despite often giving up several inches to his defenders, he always found his way to the rim. Smith then signed with the Denver Nuggets, where he would finish his career as a player.