The new NBA season began on October 24 and only a couple of weeks down the line, the dramatic plotlines are already heating up. The latest episode has seen two of the league's most prominent figures on and off the court, Kevin Durant and Stephen A. Smith, lock horns.
How It All Began
The sportscaster, Stephen Smith, a journalist with ESPN who hosts a show called First Take, had first questioned Kevin Durant’s ability to lead a team, saying that it was expected of someone of his status.
“I don’t question the greatness nor commitment of Kevin Durant,” he said on the show. “When you are that great…you should be able to be a better leader than he has shown. He’s been relatively leaderless. He’s been very lacking in inspiration in terms of peeling out from those around him… Durant gon’ ball out, but does he get the others around him to do it?”
A Legacy That Speaks Volumes
Kevin Durant has never been the type to hold back when he has something to say and this time was no different. After an exhibition match in which the The Phoenix Suns defeated Portland Trail Blazers, the NBA legend spoke with Doug Haller of The Athletic, calling out Stephen Smith over his recent comments. Durant, who holds two NBA championships, two Finals MVPs, and four Olympic gold medals, felt Smith's criticism was misplaced and unfair.
"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," Durant said. "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.”
Since joining the league, Durant has consistently proven himself as a top player. After earning numerous All-NBA honors and becoming the all-time leading scorer for the U.S. men’s basketball team, Durant’s resume speaks for itself. While some continue to question his leadership, Durant has the support of those who know him best – his teammates and coaches.
Durant's Teammates Stand By Him
Suns point guard Tyus Jones described Durant’s work ethic as "contagious." "You see him showing up, going 110 percent each day. Even in Year 18, he's still looking for ways to get better," Jones shared.
Head coach Mike Budenholzer echoed similar sentiments, saying Durant's presence in the locker room has been "off the charts." These endorsements show The Suns are clearly behind their star player, who, despite Smith's comments, has built an undeniable legacy in the NBA.
Meanwhile, Stephen Smith has responded to Kevin Durant’s ‘clown’ remarks, saying he won’t stoop down to Durant’s level. Speaking on Monday’s edition of ESPN’s First Take, Smith said, “I got bad news for Kevin Durant: If you're expecting me to reciprocate with that kind of pettiness and childishness, it's not gonna happen.” He continued, “Kevin Durant's one of the greatest players to have ever played this game. He's a future Hall of Famer, he's a two-time champion, a two-time Finals MVP, and I've been on the record saying he's also a good dude,”
Smith also responded to Durant's comments on his credibility as an NBA reporter. “Kevin Durant, could you stop lying, please? I've been an NBA reporter, and I was a columnist for the Philadelphia Inquirer as well. Kevin Durant had seen me in a locker room when he was at Oklahoma City. He had seen me in the locker room when he was at Golden State. He has certainly seen me at games throughout his career”, he fired back.
Looking Forward
With the Phoenix Suns aiming for an NBA title this season, Durant will be undoubtedly focused on his goals as they next take on Miami Heat at the Footprint Center. But Smith seems to think he can give himself a shot at the NBA GOAT debate if he becomes a better leader for his team.