Kenny Smith Signs Deal To Appear On "First Take" And Call Games For ESPN

Since 1998, Kenny Smith has entertained NBA fans in his full-time role as an “Inside the NBA” panelist. For those who can’t get enough of his sprints to the board and his instigating comments, this next piece of news will be an absolute delight.

On Wednesday, ESPN announced that Smith has signed a deal to appear on the network’s “traditional programming.” This includes appearances on “First Take” as a guest analyst and stint as a commentator for select NBA games.

What does this mean? It’s only a matter of time before Smith has a fierce debate with top ESPN personality Stephen A. Smith. The two have plenty of common ground: their surname (though it doesn’t appear that they are related), their sharp basketball minds, and their New York roots.

Back when “The Jet” was working for Turner Sports, he shared to his fellow “Inside” crew members that he has a special greeting for SAS whenever they cross paths. The two Smiths put their hand on their chest and say “Queens in the building” as a tribute to their home turf.

In recent years, Stephen A. Smith has interacted with the “Inside the NBA” fellows on a number of rare crossover events. During the NBA’s in-season tournament in 2023, Smith was on the receiving end of trash talk from Charles Barkley when the Turner Sports and ESPN crews collaborated on the tournament’s coverage.

The following year, both Kenny Smith and Stephen A. Smith participated in a free throw shooting contest, which was also held in the midst of in-season tournament action. For some reason, “The Jet” decided to shoot with his left hand, leading to disastrous results. SAS went on to win the contest, taking home a hilariously small trophy.

Now, the dynamic interaction between the two Smiths is set to have an even bigger stage as Kenny appears on “First Take.” On top of this, fans will also get to hear “The Jet” offer his top-tier basketball analysis in his role as color commentator for games covered by ESPN.

Does this mean that Kenny’s buddies Chuck and Shaq will soon be making SAS’ life miserable as well? Could the highly revered Ernie Johnson make history as a one-time guest host of “First Take?” With the “Inside” crew now firmly entrenched within ESPN, the possibilities are endless.