"He’s a clown to me" - Kevin Durant lashes out at Stephen A. Smith after he questions 2x NBA champion's leadership on Suns

Kevin Durant responds to Stephen A. Smith
Kevin Durant responds to Stephen A. Smith's doubts regarding his leadership (Photo credits: IMAGN)

On the Oct. 24 episode of "First Take," Stephen A. Smith talked about Phoenix Suns star Kevin Durant. While he praised Durant for his talent, Smith criticized his leadership skills. According to the NBA analyst, Durant hasn't caused his teammates to play better.

Smith said he believes Durant isn't committing to elevating his teammates. Durant responded to Smith through an article by The Athletic's Doug Haller.

"I don't understand how people even listen to Stephen A.," Durant 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 shootaround. 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."

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Statistically, Durant can be considered a leader. He averages 25.8 points this season, second only to Devin Booker's 26.7. He is also second in rebounding with 7.0 per game and has been the best shot blocker on the team with 1.5 blocks per game.

Durant's contributions have helped the Suns secure a 5–1 record, tied for second in the Western Conference.

Also read: "Sky’s the Limit": Tyus Jones on Teaming Up with Durant, Adapting to Budenholzer’s System, and Suns' Chemistry (Exclusive)


What exactly did Stephen A. Smith say about Kevin Durant?

On the Oct. 24 episode of "First Take," Stephen A. Smith was asked how much he believed in Phoenix Suns star Kevin Durant's leadership. Smith replied, "Not much."

He then explained why he didn't trust Durant as a leader. Smith said he did not question Durant's greatness or commitment but felt Durant couldn't be measured by his talent alone. Instead, people also had to look if he had the ability to make others better.

According to Smith, this has been the case for Durant in all the teams he played for before coming to Phoenix. As such, he says there's no reason to believe things will be different now.

"But if I need somebody to that's leading my locker room," Smith said. "That's gonna galvanize the troops around me to maximize whatever potential we have, that is where history has shown he has fallen short."

The clip of Smith talking about Durant's leadership was posted on "First Take's" account on X (formerly Twitter). After it was posted, the Suns' superstar responded in the comment section saying that his intangibles have always been on the same level as his talent.

However, Smith maintained that there's no question that Durant is a superstar.

Phoenix Suns Fans? Check out the latest Suns depth chart, schedule, and roster updates all in one place.

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Edited by Abhimanyu Gupta
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