*NBA star Kevin Durant and ESPN host Stephen A. Smith are at odds after Smith criticized Durant’s leadership.
Following the Phoenix Suns’ season opener, Smith praised Durant’s talent but suggested he lacks the impact to inspire his team, according to Basketball Network. Durant clapped back in a statement to The Athletic, noting that Smith speaks confidently about players and teams without actually knowing them.
“I don’t understand how people even listen to Stephen A.,” the Phoenix Suns superstar said. “I’ve been in the league for 18 years. I’ve never seen Stephen A. at a practice, or a film session, or a shoot-around. I’ve never seen him anywhere but on TV talking s**t about players. He’s a clown to me. He’s always been a clown. You can write that, too.”
Smith’s critique came after the Suns’ recent game against the L.A. Clippers. Durant scored 25 points but recorded no assists, while teammate Devin Booker scored 15 points. Smith’s post-game reaction is echoed by others who have questioned Durant’s leadership style.
“I would disagree, Stephen,” Durant wrote on X in response to Smith’s comments. “I would argue, passionately, that my intangibles have always been on par with my talent.”
Kevin Durant calls Stephen A. Smith a clown 😳 pic.twitter.com/fuAzaV7KiH
— The Sporting News (@sportingnews) November 3, 2024
Smith reacted to Kevin’s remarks on “First Take” and clarified that his critique was focused on Durant’s leadership track record. Durant pushed back, asserting that he’s always had a vocal presence.
“I’ve always been on this trajectory, of diving deep into the game, not just for myself but for the whole team,” KD said.
“To say that I’m just sitting here, you paint this picture of me coming into the locker room, not talking to my teammates, quiet, not talking to my coaches. Like, come on, man. It’s just ridiculous,” he added.
Hear more of Stephen A.’s response to Kevin in the X/Twitter clip below.
“I got bad news for Kevin Durant: If you’re expecting me to reciprocate with that kind of pettiness & childishness, it’s not gonna happen… Could you stop lying please? … Who’s allowed to talk about him?”
Stephen A. Smith on KD calling him a ‘clown’
— Mave Sports Network (@mave_sports007) November 4, 2024
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