Kenny Smith For Kings GM!?

Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

The former Kings player and TNT commentator told USA TODAY Sports on Sunday night that he has been in discussions with new owner Vivek Ranadive. Longtime general manager Geoff Petrie has been told that he will not be re-signed after his contract expires later this month, and Smith is clearly hoping to be part of the new regime.

“We’ve been talking; we’ve been talking,” Smith said. “That’s all I’m going to say.”

“I’ve been winning my whole life,” Smith said. “I’ve been blessed to be a winner. So whatever happens, whatever I do, I’m going to win an Emmy next year or I’m going to try to win an NBA championship or I’m going to try to win in cards. I’m a winner. I’m a winner. I’ve been blessed in my whole life, so I think I have a clear vision.”

Smith was selected sixth overall by the Kings in the 1987 draft out of North Carolina, then played his first two-plus seasons there before he was traded to the Atlanta Hawks.

Kenny is locally famous for winning two championships with the Houston Rockets (1994, 1995). As a point guard he made the right decision numerous times, by passing the ball in the post to Hakeem Olajuwon. If the Kings are indeed interested, DeMarcus Cousins, and Tyreke Evans are in trouble. It would also be sad to lose Kenny on TNT’s Inside the NBA. His dynamic with Charles Barkley has led the show to numerous Emmys.