Phoenix Suns star Kevin Durant fired again at sports activities tv character Stephen A. Smith after the NBA analyst ridiculed the 17-year veteran for his lack of management throughout Thursday’s phase on ESPN’s “First Take.”
Kevin Durant was referred to as out by Stephen A. Smith for his insufficient management with the Phoenix Suns
Smith, 57, doesn’t query the greatness of Durant, however he claimed the 14-time All-Star ahead doesn’t have what it takes to information the Suns to their first NBA championship.
“I don’t query the greatness nor dedication of Kevin Durant. … When you find yourself that nice, it is best to have the ability to be a greater chief than he has proven,” Smith mentioned on “First Take.”
In response to Smith’s feedback, Durant wrote on X, “I’d disagree Stephen. I’d argue, passionately, that my intangibles have all the time been on par with my expertise.”
I’d disagree stephen. I’d argue, passionately, that my intangibles have all the time been on par with my expertise
— Kevin Durant (@KDTrey5) October 24, 2024
One X person responded to Durant’s remark underneath his publish. The fan claimed he needs to see the 36-year-old “converse up extra typically” and to “maintain teammates accountable.”
Durant then wrote, “Brother, respectfully, you’ve by no means been in a fitness center with me to know if I want to talk up or not. You’re simply guessing with no data on the topic. Be higher.”
Maybe Durant would have the ability to persuade the basketball neighborhood that he has “management” with a title in Phoenix.
Durant gained two NBA titles with the Golden State Warriors
The 6-foot-11 Kevin Durant gained two NBA championships and two Finals MVPs with the Golden State Warriors. He earned these accolades within the three seasons he spent with Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Inexperienced.
Earlier than the Texas product signed with the Warriors, he had taken the Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder to the NBA Finals in 2012, and led OKC to the Western Convention finals in 2014 and 2016.
Nevertheless, Durant didn’t have the identical stage of success with the Brooklyn Nets.
In February 2023, Brooklyn traded the two-time MVP to Phoenix, and the workforce went on to lose within the convention semifinals that yr and within the first spherical final season.
To this present day, Durant’s critics argue that he’s all the time been a infamous quitter. As a substitute of remaining with the Thunder, he jumped ship and joined a stacked Golden State roster. This choice irked numerous his supporters.
After spending his rookie 2007-08 season with the Seattle SuperSonics and eight seasons in OKC, he felt it was time to maneuver on following a number of playoff exits. However Durant has solely bounced from workforce to workforce since then.
NBA legends and common followers are bored with seeing famous person gamers go away their groups after shedding. For a lot of, management is about sticking round a corporation that has by no means gained a championship and staying there till a title is gained.
Durant will change into eligible to signal a two-year, $123.8 million contract extension with Phoenix in 2025
In 75 video games (all begins) with Phoenix final season, Kevin Durant averaged 27.1 factors, 6.6 rebounds, 5.0 assists, 1.2 blocks, and 37.2 minutes per contest. Plus, he shot 52.3% from the ground, 41.3% from 3-point vary, and 85.6% on the free throw line.
The 11-time All-NBA member completed seventh in factors (2,032), thirteenth in blocks (91), sixth in subject targets (751), and sixth in minutes performed (2,791). He additionally scored a season-high 45 factors towards the Boston Celtics on March 9.
Final week, ESPN’s Bobby Marks reported that Durant has been eligible to signal a one-year, $59.5 million contract extension with the Suns since early July.
Nonetheless, there’s a “sturdy chance” that Durant is ready till the 2025 offseason to signal his new deal. Subsequent yr, Durant will change into eligible to signal a two-year, $123.8 million extension in Phoenix.
By ready, the NBA veteran would earn an additional $64.3 million. Durant is at present signed to a four-year, $194.22 million contract.
