EAST LANSING, Mich. -- Guard Steve Smith, whose solid play might have been exceeded by his exceptional citizenship, will retire from the NBA on Friday.
A 14-year veteran, former All-Star and NBA champion, Smith will announce his retirement at the Clara Bell Smith Student-Athlete Academic Center on the campus of Michigan State, his alma mater.
The Detroit native donated $2.5 million to the $7.5 million academic center, which opened in 1998 and bears his mother's name.
Other off-court honors for Smith include the 1998 J. Walter Kennedy Citizenship Award and the 2002 NBA Sportsmanship Award.
Smith began last season with the Charlotte Bobcats, serving as a mentor to younger players. During the season, he was traded to Miami, where he began his career in 1991.
Known for his post-up jumper, the 6-8 Smith averaged 14.3 points, 3.2 rebounds and 3.1 assists in 942 games with Miami, Atlanta, Portland, San Antonio, New Orleans and Charlotte. He shot 44 percent from the field and 84.5 percent from the line.
Smith's best season may have been 1997-98 with Atlanta, when he averaged 20.1 points, 4.2 rebounds and 4.1 assists and made his only All-Star appearance.
A 1992 All-Rookie Team selection, Smith was a member of Team USA at the 1994 World Championships and the 2000 Olympics, both of which won gold medals. He was a deep reserve on the 2003 NBA champion San Antonio Spurs.
