Kevin Durant is not the world’s biggest Stephen A. Smith fan.
In fact, one of the greatest players in basketball history does not appear to be a fan of Smith — at all.
Durant had strong words for ESPN’s Smith[/caption]
“I don’t understand how people even listen to Stephen A.,” Durant told The Athletic. “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*** about players.
“He’s a clown to me. He’s always been a clown. You can write that, too.”
Durant didn’t hold back in attacking Smith, who has criticised Durant in the past for ‘leadership’ issues.
The 36-year-old Durant won two world championships with the Golden State Warriors and recently claimed his fourth gold medal with Team USA, while setting a new Olympic scoring record.
Durant acknowledged that still has things he can work on.
But it’s clear that ESPN’s largest personality went too far in Durant’s eyes.
“I’ve always been on this trajectory, of diving deep into the game, not just for myself but for the whole team,” Durant 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.”
Durant is still one of the NBA’s best players[/caption]
The outspoken Smith regularly gets into it with NBA and NFL stars[/caption]
Durant is clearly not a fan of ESPN’s top personality[/caption]
Fans immediately took Durant’s side.
“Couldn’t agree more,” one tweeted.
“I ride with KD on this one,” a second fan wrote. “Stephen A. is an entertainer. A clown.”
“Totally agree,” a third fan posted. “He’s definitely a clown and First take is the Worst take! Facts.”
New Phoenix coach Mike Budenholzer praised Durant for everything that he brings to the Suns, who are attempting to turn a superstar trio featuring Devin Booker and Bradley Beal into a true championship contender this season.
“He (Durant) set the tone for us as an organization, for us as a team,” Budenholzer said.
“And it’s not just been by leadership. It’s been his voice. He’s put his arms around young players. He’s put his arm around veterans. He’s put his arm around me.
“It’s something that’s important to us. I don’t know if he likes it or knows it, but I’m going to keep pushing him to be his best, in all ways, including as a leader.”
Phoenix has started a new season 5-1 after a disappointing finish in the 2023/24 playoffs.
Durant has four Olympic gold medals[/caption]
Durant will be a first-ballot Hall of Famer and only trails LeBron James in scoring among active players.
The former Texas star was the No.2 overall draft pick by Seattle in 2007.
He’s averaged 27.3 points, 7 rebounds and 4.4 assists while shooting 50.1 per cent from the field and 88.4 per cent from the free throw line in 17 NBA seasons.
While Durant’s world titles will always be associated with the EasyMoneySniper leaving Oklahoma City and joining the Golden State Warriors’ dynasty, he’s undoubtedly one of the league’s best players since Michael Jordan retired.
It’s also obvious that Durant believes that Smith doesn’t know what he’s talking about.
KD kept his attack verbal, though, while Joel Embiid got into it with a Philadelphia reporter.
