A formerly retired NBA player, Kenny Thomas still finds passion for basketball in multiple forms, whether through coaching, inspiring, or training.
After devoting eleven years to the National Basketball Association and playing across multiple arenas, Kenny is still active.
Kenny is an important figure on the field, from starting college as one of the highest recruits to ending his professional career as one of the best NBA players. Still today, Kenny ensures to host several basketball programs and tournaments throughout the year.
Before we jump right into the lifestyle and career of one of the most celebrated NBA players, let us first get a quick dose of general facts about him.
Quick Facts
| Full Name | Kenneth Cornelius Thomas |
| Date of Birth | July 25, 1977 |
| Birth Place | Atlanta, Georgia |
| Nick Name | Kenny |
| Religion | Unknown |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | African American |
| Zodiac Sign | Leo |
| Age | 44 years old |
| Height | 6’7″ (2.01 meters) |
| Weight | 245 lb (111 kg) |
| Hair Color | Brown |
| Eye Color | Black |
| Build | Athletic |
| Father’s Name | Calvin Thomas |
| Mother’s Name | Patricia Thomas |
| Siblings | Unknown |
| Education |
|
| Marital Status | Married |
| Wife | Name Unknown |
| Kids | Two sons |
| Profession | Former basketball player |
| Position | Power Forward / Center |
| NBA Draft | 1999 / Round: 1 / Pick: 22nd overall |
| Affiliations |
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| Active Years | 1999–2010 |
| Net Worth | $18 million |
| Social Media | Instagram, Twitter, Website |
| Merch | Jersey |
| Last Update | July, 2022 |
Body Dimensions
Kenny Thomas has a hard-built frame and a ripped physique. He weighs 245 lb and is a tall man standing at 6’7″ (2.01 meters) (111 kg).
His physical characteristics include a dark chocolate skin tone and sparkling black eyes. He also has short, clipped, dark brown hair.
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Early Years | Kenny Thomas
Thomas was born on July 25, 1977, with the astrological sign of Leo. His full name is Kenneth Cornelius Thomas.
It’s unclear whether Kenny has siblings or not. His parents, Patricia Thomas and Calvin Thomas, welcomed him into the world in Atlanta, Georgia.
Kenny was brought up conservatively because his father is a sergeant. His mother also worked as a medical supply technician in the past.
His father frequently urged him to avoid mischief.
“Work hard, pay attention in class, and stay out of trouble. I assured him that if he did, he would receive his desired outcome. (Calvin Thomas)
Kenny has always had a massive body frame. He kept up the appearance of a kind youngster and frequently attended church twice a week.
Education
The family moved to El Paso in 1988 after spending the majority of his childhood in Atlanta. He attended the Stephen F. Austin High School there.
But soon after, Kenny relocated to Albuquerque, New Mexico, to attend Albuquerque High School.
Fun fact: Kenny had initially failed the ACT but had worked incredibly hard to pass at the conclusion of the spring semester.
Kenny enrolled in the University of New Mexico after finishing high school, where he spent four years.
About Kenny Thomas
Only when Kenny Thomas was in the eighth grade did he start to appreciate basketball. Prior to that, he participated in sports including track and field, stickball, and others.
He then started participating in the sport for his high school squad. Well, he first caught people’s eyes when he was a member of the Flight team, which consisted of star high school athletes.
With the squad, Kenny competed in the BCI championship in Phoenix, where he won MVP honors. He transferred to Albuquerque High School as soon as big schools began showing interest in his performance following the victory.
With his outstanding performance for the team, Kenny earned the moniker “baby Shaq.”
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Disruption of Academic Career
When Kenny applied for college after his high school years, the NCAA initiated a dispute over an academic infringement. Thomas was declared ineligible by the NCAA in August 1995, just before he was set to enroll in New Mexico.
Well, they said that Kenny’s lack of the 13 required credits for high school was the only factor. He needed just one more core credit.
The problem arose when the NCAA asserted that his physical science course was not a required component of the curriculum. Kenny did, however, claim that the counselor had advised him to enroll in the course, and that if the NCAA had forewarned him, he would have modified his plans.
Thomas therefore filed a lawsuit, claiming that Kenny’s schooling was suffering irreparable loss as a result of the NCAA’s decision. After three exhausting days, they finally accepted Kenny as a program participant.
The Competitive Field
Kenny Thomas joined the 1999 NBA Draft immediately following his college graduation. He was selected by the Houston Rockets with the 22nd overall pick in the previous round.
He was a member of the squad for three years during which time he consistently led the group in rebounding and shot blocks. The Rockets sent Kenny to the Philadelphia 76ers during the 2002–03 season.
Kenny was traded by the organization to the Sacramento Kings a year later, where he played for them for the most of his NBA career. Kenny joined the Memphis Grizzlies’ preseason camp in 2010 after spending five years with the Sacramento Kings.
Retirement for Kenny Thomas
I had a successful career. They believe your prime ranges from 27–28 to 32–33 in the prime. In my heyday, I didn’t get the play. I was aging and out of sight, out of mind. In 11 years, I had 10 coaches, yet I wouldn’t change a thing. Kenneth Thomas
In 2010, Kenny Thomas formally announced his retirement from the NBA after a successful eleven years. When his playing time with the Kings started to decline, Kenny reportedly quit the sport.
after retirement
Kenny Thomas started working to start his own business once he retired. He was unable to close transactions with his alma university, New Mexico, nonetheless, in his early years.
After leaving the NBA, he had trouble finding work. But his lawyer, Ken Harris, was able to arrange a meeting with Magic Johnson, which ignited his entrepreneurial passion.
After that, he launched Kenny Thomas Enterprises, his new company.
Commercial Establishments
Magic Johnson served as Kenny Thomas’ mentor as he learned how to start his own company. He discovered El Ray in 2015 using a Mexican street food restaurant as inspiration.
In August, he subsequently opened it for business in the famed Ochsner building. Additionally, he serves as T3 Productions LLC’s president and CEO.
“My life’s second chapter has begun. I wouldn’t make any changes. Kenneth Thomas
NBA Tournaments
Kenny Thomas continues to take a strong interest in basketball matches and activities. He is one of its most ardent hosts and advocates.
Throughout the year, he hosts a number of these occasions for everyone in New Mexico and California. Not to mention, he plays basketball on the AAU circuit.
Kenny attends the Kings game frequently in the interim. Every time he attends a game at the Golden 1 Center, he takes a seat courtside. He also provided Kings television commentary for Comcast SportsNet Bay Area in a similar manner.
Kenny Thomas | Awards And Achievements
- Second-team All-American – SN (1998)
- Third-team All-American – NABC (1998)
- 3× First-team All-WAC (1996, 1998, and 1999)
- Third-team Parade All-American (1995)
Salary
Kenny Thomas has a net worth of $18 million and a career income of $54,613,164, according to the sources.
As a result of his involvement with the company, INFINITY 02 bottled water is now offered even in Sacramento, making him a partner in the company.
Work in charity
Kenny Thomas is currently actively involved in charitable activity. He established the Kenny Thomas Foundation, after all.
The mission of this nonprofit is to support young people. To explain, they aid marginalized young people by giving them chances through higher education, college scholarships, and support for families.
Kenny serves on a number of nonprofit boards at the same time. These groups include The University of New Mexico Black Alumni Chapter, the African American Greater Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce, and the ALS New Mexico Chapter Board.
Personal Life of Kenny Thomas
In addition to being a former NBA player, Kenny Thomas is also a devoted father and husband. He is a married man, that much is certain.
Unfortunately, Kenny has never talked publicly about his romantic relationships or love life, which is regrettable. Regarding his wife and family, nothing is known.
We can only assume that he thinks it’s important to give his wife and kids the privacy they need.
In addition, sources claim that Kenny is the father of two sons. We’ll update this page if there are any updates to his romantic life.
on social media
On his social media accounts, Kenny frequently shares updates about his games and personal life. He enjoys playing golf in his spare time and is an avid player.
And He has 10.8k followers on Instagram with the handle Kenny Thomas (@kennythomasnba). He has 8.6k followers on Twitter under the handle @kennythomasnba.
For more information, you may also visit his website. Kenny Thomas is the name of the person behind the website (kennythomas.com).
Kenny Thomas | FAQs
What is Kenny Thomas’ career statistic like?
Throughout his career days, Brown has played 632 NBA regular games and has saved 406 of them. He has a field goal percentage of .465 and a free throw percentage of .699.
Likewise, he has maintained an average of 6.9 rebounds, 1.5 assists, .8 steals, and 9.3 points.
Additionally, Devin has played 23 games in the playoff season and saved them. During his tenure, he has a field goal percentage of .529 and a free throw percentage of .677.
Likewise, he has maintained an average of 8.0 rebounds, 1.3 assists, .7 steals, and 9.7 points.
Which jersey number did Kenny Thomas wear?
Kenny Thomas wore jersey number 21 for the Houston Rockets and 9 for the Philadelphia 76ers and Sacramento Kings.