In May 2017, I caught up with Kenny “The Jet” Smith for a special Scoop B Radio Overtime session. While we usually dive deep into the X’s and O’s of his two-time champion Houston Rockets or the legendary chemistry at the TNT desk, this conversation took a “buttoned-up” turn into the world of fashion. Today, in 2025—as NBA “tunnel walks” have become as scrutinized as playoff box scores—Kenny’s reflections on the origin of his style sense prove that even a world-class analyst needs a trusted “buyer” in his corner.
Reflecting on that dialogue, Kenny didn’t credit a high-end stylist for his look; he credited the family members who steered him away from fashion fouls early on.
The Sister’s Influence: From One Ear and Out the Other
Long before he was part of the best show on television, Kenny was getting a masterclass in wardrobe from his sister, who worked as a buyer for retail giants like Nordstrom and Macy’s.
“For me, my sister had been in fashion for a long time,” Kenny Smith told me. “She would always tell me how: ‘Oh you can’t wear that color with this, you gotta wear darks on the outside.’ She would tell me these things and it would go in one ear and right out the other… until I got older.”
In 2025, Kenny is consistently one of the best-dressed men on sports television. His 2017 admission highlights a relatable truth: style is often a learned discipline. Eventually, those lessons from his sister and his father took hold, transforming “The Jet” from a young athlete into a sophisticated media mogul whose suits are as sharp as his commentary.
The North Carolina Standard
We also touched on the influence of his time at the University of North Carolina and his teammate Michael Jordan. The “Tar Heel” standard wasn’t just about excellence on the court; it was about the professional image you projected off it.
“I gotta credit my sister and my dad for that style sense,” he remarked, noting that as he matured, he realized the importance of the presentation.
Looking back from 2025, Kenny’s fashion philosophy mirrors his basketball philosophy: it’s about the fundamentals. Whether it’s matching the right colors or knowing the right rotation for a championship team, Kenny values the “experts” in his life who helped him refine his game.
The TNT Wardrobe: Managing the Desk
While Charles Barkley and Shaquille O’Neal are often the targets of fashion roasts (see Chuck’s infamous “Big Suits”), Kenny has managed to stay largely above the fray. His 2017 session on Scoop B Radio revealed that his “buttoned-up” look is intentional—a way to maintain the professional anchor of the group while the big men bicker.
As Kenny told me:
“You gotta listen eventually.”
And he clearly did. By 2025, Kenny Smith remains a pillar of consistency in an industry that changes trends every season. He proved that while the “Jet” can fly, he always does it with a well-tailored fit.
