During the interview, Smith expressed his admiration for the show and its hosts, Jimmy, Charles, Shaq, and Ernie. He mentioned how he enjoyed watching the banter between them, even when it wasn’t about basketball. The dynamic on the show is akin to a comedy show, making it a must-watch for viewers, both basketball enthusiasts and non-fans alike.
Smith’s book, “Talk of Champions,” is divided into chapters that focus on individuals who have had a significant impact on his life. One of the highlighted figures is Bill Russell, who served as Smith’s first coach in the NBA. Smith spoke highly of Russell’s wisdom and authenticity, stating that he learned valuable lessons from him about self-motivation and self-talk.
Another prominent figure in Smith’s book is none other than Michael Jordan himself. Smith revealed an interesting anecdote about how Jordan personally recruited him to play at North Carolina. The competitive spirit Jordan exuded was one of the primary reasons Smith chose to join the team. Smith also spoke fondly about their time as roommates on road trips and how Jordan’s predictions about his future success came to fruition.
The conversation also touched upon Smith’s experiences with his Sacramento Kings coach, Bill Russell. Russell emphasized the importance of inclusion, telling Smith that he should never disregard the talent of players from different backgrounds. This valuable life lesson has stuck with Smith throughout his career.
Aside from discussing his book, Smith also mentioned his upcoming All-Star charity poker tournament in Indianapolis. This event, now in its 21st year, has attracted notable figures from the entertainment and sports worlds. Celebrities such as Chris Tucker and Dr. J have participated in the past. Although tickets may be hard to come by, Smith reminisced about Jimmy Kimmel Live covering his charity event in the past, with Uncle Frank in attendance.
For those interested in attending the poker tournament, Smith provided a tongue-in-cheek suggestion to text him for an invite. The book, “Talk of Champions,” serves as a captivating collection of Smith’s experiences in the NBA and features anecdotes about basketball legends like Michael Jordan, Bill Russell, and many others.
Overall, Kenny Smith‘s appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live was a delightful blend of entertainment and insights into the world of basketball. His stories about friendship, life lessons, and the NBA All-Star Game left viewers eagerly anticipating both his upcoming charity poker tournament and the release of his engaging book.
