Kenny Smith’s Surprising New Role Revealed: Fans Are Shocked by What’s Next!

So, Kenny Smith is stepping up his game again — but this time, it’s not just on the court or even behind the Inside the NBA desk. Have you ever wondered what it’d be like if Smith’s sharp takes and unmistakable charm infiltrated more corners of ESPN beyond just TNT’s hallowed hardwood broadcast? Well, buckle up, because he’s about to make that leap with his new multi-year deal that lands him on shows like First Take. This isn’t just another media shuffle; it’s a bold chess move by ESPN, signaling their hunger to deepen their basketball analysis while giving fans a chance to soak up more Jet magic. After all, when a player-turned-analyst who’s seen the league from every angle—Sacramento, Houston, Denver—gets more airtime, we’re not just talking about reruns of game highlights. We’re talking insights that make you rethink the next play before it even happens. So, what does this mean for the landscape of NBA commentary—and could this expansion be the start of a whole new Smith-led era on ESPN’s hardwood airwaves? Let’s dive in.

LA Clippers v Memphis Grizzlies — (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)

Kenny Smith has been one of the biggest faces of NBA analysis for years, and his presence in the media space is only growing.

On Friday, it was announced that Smith will now appear on more ESPN programming, including the popular show First Take, as part of a new, multi-year agreement with the sports giant.

Inside the NBA’s Kenny Smith (@TheJetOnTNT) will appear on additional ESPN programming – including @FirstTake – as part of a new, multi-year agreement pic.twitter.com/1A0DBGtNfa

— ESPN PR (@ESPNPR) November 5, 2025

For NBA fans, this is a big win because they love Smith’s insight and personality.

He has been one of the men leading Inside the NBA for years, and basketball followers were distraught last season when it seemed like that show could go off the air.

When the league didn’t sign another media rights deal with TNT, the future of Inside the NBA was up in the air.

That’s when ESPN swooped in and signed the show and its stars.

This move from the network makes it clear that they want Smith for more than just Inside the NBA.

Now people are wondering if other members from that show, such as Ernie Johnson, will appear on other ESPN programs soon.

Smith’s knowledge of the game is founded on his many years of playing in the league.

He spent 10 years playing in the association, contributing to teams like the Sacramento Kings, Houston Rockets, and Denver Nuggets.

He did great work with those teams, but it’s his input on the sidelines that most modern NBA fans are aware of.

This agreement with ESPN is a smart move for both Smith and the network.

It’ll give Smith more opportunities to share his knowledge and insight, and it’ll also give ESPN a chance to show fans how seriously they are handling basketball analysis.

The post Kenny Smith Has Landed A New Role appeared first on The Cold Wire.