Kevin Durant Fires Back at Stephen A. Smith’s Leadership Critique: “He’s a Clown to Me” [Video]

Kevin Durant is fed up with criticism regarding his leadership skills.  In a recent interview with The Athletic, the NBA star addressed ESPN personality Stephen A. Smith following his comments on Durant’s leadership.

“Yeah, Stephen A., I don’t understand how people even listen to Stephen A.,” the Phoenix Suns basketball star 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 (expletive) about players. … He’s a clown to me. He’s always been a clown. You can write that, too.”

A few weeks ago, Smith posted a clip to social media, criticizing the Suns as a legitimate contender, mainly due to Durant’s lack of oversight skills. He stated, “When you are that great … you should be able to be a better leader than he has shown.”

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However, Durant countered with Smith, responding to his claims via social media, writing, “I would argue, passionately, that my intangibles have always been on par with my talent.”

I would disagree stephen. I would argue, passionately, that my intangibles have always been on par with my talent

— Kevin Durant (@KDTrey5) October 24, 2024

Additionally, Durant told The Athletic that he hasn’t changed who he is and has grown more comfortable with being vocal over the years.

“Obviously, you grow as a human being, you get more comfortable with yourself, you get more comfortable talking to crowds as you experience more and more in the league,” Durant added. “I’ve always been on this trajectory of diving deep into the game, not just for myself but for the whole team. 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.”