Talk of Champions

Stories of the People Who Made Me: A Memoir

By: Kenny Smith

Narrated by: Kenny Smith

Length: 6 hrs and 48 mins

Publisher's summary

A revealing, humorous, behind-the-scenes memoir from Kenny "The Jet" Smith—superstar basketball commentator, host of the top-rated show, Inside the NBA, and two-time NBA champion. Smith reveals memorable inside stories of his playing and broadcasting careers, focusing on the star players, coaches, and mentors who inspired him along the way.

Kenny Smith was a star at the University of North Carolina before his storied NBA run, in which he won two championships with the Houston Rockets. His popularity skyrocketed when he joined TNT’s new show, Inside the NBA, which has thrived for twenty-four years and won multiple Emmys, receiving enormous acclaim for the insight, humor, social commentary, and unrivaled basketball coverage from Kenny Smith, Charles Barkley, Shaquille O’Neal, and Ernie Johnson, Jr. Kenny is known to fans for his laser-sharp analysis and eloquent observations of the basketball scene and culture.

In this honest and profound memoir, Kenny writes chapters about each of the extraordinary people who taught him invaluable life lessons. He illuminates the personalities, affections, and quirks of friends such as Michael Jordan, Shaquille O’Neal, Charles Barkley and Kobe Bryant, among others, and what he learned from each of them. He writes about his legendary UNC coach, Dean Smith, and other indelible role models through his career. And he interweaves poignant material about his upbringing in Queens, New York, his parents, his children, and his marriage, explaining the rich knowledge he obtained from the important figures around him. Kenny is also a strong, intelligent voice on race, as his fans and TV viewers will know. Ultimately this is a revealing, humorous, and powerful memoir, offering a candid glimpse inside the rarified world of elite sports and broadcasting, with inspiring takeaways.

©2023 Kenny Smith (P)2023 Random House Audio

Critic reviews

“A smartly structured memoir that reinforces the significance of relationships, perspective, and social awareness in the making of a champion. . . Refreshingly absent is the phrase ‘as told to (sportswriter name)’ normally associated with memoirs from celebrities and professional athletes. [Talk of Champions] is clearly Smith’s alone. . . Throughout, Smith writes with detailed recall and focus. An engaging read with insights and stories that basketball fans in particular will value highly.” —Kirkus Reviews (starred)

“Uplifting. . . The backstage anecdotes offer revealing insight into a storied career, but the strongest moments are when Smith discusses using his platform to speak out against racism. . . Smith scores in this thoughtful and intimate outing.” —Publisher's Weekly

A Champion teaching how to be a Champion!

Wow! Loved this book and hearing Kenny’s perceptive on so many things to include his many relationships through his basketball career. What hit me the hardest and my biggest take-away is the relationship he has with his kids. He utilizes their opinion and thoughts in his decisions and life. I’ve begun that in my life with my kids now.

Authentic

Wanted to learn more. Was hoping to hear about E. J.. There were no major surprises, but I found myself rewinding to make I processed drops of knowledge or perspective along the way.

ACG

I loved the content. I have shared the most applicable moments with my daughter, a high level athlete. It was great for us.

The narration is "choppy". He reads words instead of sentences so it isn't easy listening.

Great Tone

Great book and amazingly narrated. I watch Kenny Smith on Inside the NBA and his tone, his analogy, and how his narratives are spot on.

Everett Meadows

One of the most enjoyable listens I have had in a long time
Kenny is insightful and fun to listen to.
I also thought it offered a lot of perspective on what it is like to be a star athlete before basketball really blew up and became as popular as it is today

Timing & Talent

Extremely talented & hard working with also some great timing to be around some of the world’s best influences …. Thanks for sharing Jet!!!

Not big into basketball- love inside the NBA

Kenny did a great job explaining how these people impacted his life. He put the best side of everyone to be displayed. You feel you knew a little more about each famous person while seeing how genuine Kenny and his friends really are. A good mix of funny (him saying someone was a butthole just cracked me up) and informative. He showed how connecting to people on an emotional level can change your trajectory in life.

Enough Said

The book spoke for itself sometimes when listening or reading a book that brings unique perspectives on life and family ones opinion isn't need especially if you understand the the His Story behind it .Well done Jet

Great Reflective Story

Very insightful and good story telling by Kenny. Didn’t know shot his upbringing but always admired from his playing days and on TNT. This was really good.

Great book

Not surprisingly after seeing an interview with Big Boy the radio DJ and personality had Kenny Smith on and that's what made me get the book. Full of great stories not just personals rants. Really informative in a not so preachy way. 😎