num_pages: 272
description: A revealing humorous behind-the-scenes memoir from Kenny The Jet Smithsuperstar 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 TNTs 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 ONeal 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 ONeal 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.
language: English
title: Talk of Champions: Stories of the People Who Made Me: A Memoir
publisher: Doubleday