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Kenny Smith · Houston's June 1990 acquisition brought the speedy point guard whose clutch gene would prove essential to the franchise's championship aspirations. The former North Carolina standout arrived carrying impressive credentials from his Sacramento days, immediately establishing himself as the floor general Houston needed alongside Hakeem Olajuwon. Smith wasted little time proving his worth, leading the Rockets in assists (7.1) and free throw percentage (.844) while averaging 17.7 points during his inaugural campaign. What followed transformed both player and franchise: two consecutive championships in 1994 and 1995, with "The Jet" delivering countless clutch three-pointers and steady leadership that helped Houston capture their only NBA titles in franchise history. Long before his days sprinting to the big board on Inside the NBA, Smith earned his nickname through blazing speed and championship-caliber performances that defined Rockets basketball. · State of Mint