• 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
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars (107 ratings)

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Talk of Champions  By  cover art

Talk of Champions

By: Kenny Smith
Narrated by: Kenny Smith
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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

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What listeners say about Talk of Champions

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Great book. Is heavy on racial topics, but appropriate

After reading reviews, I was concerned the book would be a proverbial bait and switch. While there are parts that address race issues, I didn’t take them negatively. Felt like they were needed to portray the accurate story.

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2 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Awesome job. Great story.

I had the pleasure of competing against Kenny Smith in high school. Even though my Staten Island, St. Peter’s high school team defeated his Malloy team in the championship, he was as graceful and classy as could be.

It is unbelievable to hear his experiences with so many people that have shaped the culture. It is also terrific to have him share, what he has gotten out of these interactions. Kudos to you Kenny. Your effort goes extremely appreciated.

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    2 out of 5 stars
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    2 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars

Super Liberal

The book has good stories but he blames a lot of outcomes due to racism. Kenny seems to be like the far left liberals in today’s society. Kenny thinks all blacks have a hard time reaching the “top” but how can we say that when we see tons of successful blacks and other races in the “top”.

I love Inside The NBA but now I have a different view in Kenny. He’s definitely a SIMP. Don’t waste your credit. If you do then you will know what I mean.

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    1 out of 5 stars
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    1 out of 5 stars
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    1 out of 5 stars

Shocking BS

For a college graduate, he sure knows how to spout racism and liberal BS. I used to like him and not that he cares, but I won’t put any credence into his comments.

Wasted a credit on this book.

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

I loved Kenny Smith's Story

Kenny is a man that has lived a blessed life. The wisdom and life lessons he has obtained were perfect for a book. I finished listening to the book in one day. I kind of want to listen to it again.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

more open

would have liked to have had Kenny open up more on his relationships with some of the people mentioned

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  • Overall
    2 out of 5 stars
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    2 out of 5 stars
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    2 out of 5 stars

Ok

Just ok. Nothing said that would make it a point for someone else to listen to this.

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  • Overall
    2 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars
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    1 out of 5 stars

Black lives are the only ones that matter

Did not like the politics nor the constant reminder who matters most…….same story over and over

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Journey to Greatness

From NYC, MOLLOY HS, TAR Heels, 2 NBA championships, family and NBA ANALYST.

Watching Kenny Smith as I grew up this book was a great journey of his life. As a kid from Harlem seeing him play with some the the NYC Legends Great book!!!!

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Real talk of champions

Kenny give good advice and helpful remarks that anyone can use to excel and become a champion. It’s also very entertaining if you love sports stories.

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