Kenny Smith Sidelined: Why the Inside the NBA Analyst Missed March Madness—and Renee Montgomery’s Big Studio Moment

Kenny Smith’s Surprise Absence Leaves March Madness Studio Shuffling Why Kenny Smith Missed Day 2 of March Madness CBS officials confirmed Friday that longtime analyst Kenny “The Jet” Smith felt “under the weather” late Thursday night and returned home after the Michigan–Howard game, forcing him to skip the network’s second-day NCAA Tournament coverage. The timing fueled speculation among fans already buzzing over Smith’s alma mater, North Carolina, being upset 82-78 by VCU earlier in the evening. Renee Montgomery Steps Into the Spotlight With Smith sidelined, two-time WNBA champion and Atlanta Dream co-owner Renee Montgomery slid onto the desk alongside Adam Zucker, Clark Kellogg and Charles Barkley. Montgomery, who regularly appears on CBS’ WNBA and NBA coverage, dove straight into X’s-and-O’s breakdowns of Friday’s first-round matchups, earning praise on social media for her smooth transition and fresh perspective. Charles Barkley Can’t Resist a Friendly Jab Never missing an opening, Barkley looked at the camera and quipped, “Keep your shirt on at the beach, Kenny,” drawing laughter across the set and instantly spawning memes. The exchange underscored the easy chemistry viewers expect from the Inside the NBA crew, even when they’re split across different networks during tournament season. Social Media Reaction • “Renee Montgomery cooking in Kenny Smith’s seat—don’t rush back too fast, Jet,” one viewer posted on X. • “Hope Kenny’s OK, but Montgomery is bringing elite energy,” another wrote, racking up thousands of likes within minutes. The flurry of posts sent “Kenny Smith illness” and “Renee Montgomery CBS” trending nationally by midday Friday. Health Watch and Broadcast Plans A CBS spokesperson said the network expects Smith to return “as soon as he’s feeling better,” but no timetable was provided. With the Round of 32 tipping off Saturday, producers are preparing contingency lineups that could keep Montgomery—or potentially fellow TNT analyst Jamal Crawford—on call. Why It Matters for Viewers 1. Familiar Faces: March Madness audiences tune in for Smith and Barkley’s banter as much as the brackets themselves. 2. Fresh Voices: Montgomery’s appearance offers CBS an opportunity to diversify its high-visibility studio team. 3. Ratings Ripple: Any on-air change during the tournament’s most-watched window can influence minute-by-minute ratings, advertising slots and social buzz. What’s Next for “The Jet” Smith, 61, has juggled dual roles with TNT’s Inside the NBA and CBS’ March Madness desk since 2011. Barring complications, insiders expect him to rejoin Barkley and Kellogg by the Sweet 16. In the meantime, viewers will watch to see whether Montgomery’s poised delivery earns her more permanent college basketball airtime once the Jet touches back down.