In a recent episode of First Take, ESPN analyst Stephen A. Smith took a shot at Kevin Durant, saying he isn’t doing enough as a leader for the Phoenix Suns.
Smith showed a lack of confidence in the Suns making it through the Western Conference despite acknowledging Durant’s star status and ability to deliver a show with his performance.
Durant quickly noted Smith’s comments, which did not sit well with him at all. Through his comments, Smith highlighted how Durant has never been able to bring the best out of his teammates throughout his career and isn’t responsible enough as a leader. Firing back on X, KD responded,
“I would disagree Stephen. I would argue, passionately, that my intangibles have always been on par with my talent.”
Following this, Kevin Durant went back and forth with a number of fans who were agreeing with SAS’s take. Smith also noted KD’s reply and was quick to respond by quoting the tweet on X.
The veteran analyst replied, “And I would argue, passionately, that very little compares to your obvious GREATNESS as a talent. Including those intangibles.#Respectfully”
It was obvious how both Stephen A. Smith and Kevin Durant refused to back down on their takes. Though Smith recognized KD as a generational talent, he just refused to believe he was on the same level as a leader.
Is Kevin Durant actually a bad leader as Stephen A. Smith claims?
One fan said that Kevin Durant, while mic’d up in the game against the Clippers, was heard encouraging, hyping and also critiquing his teammates throughout. These are definitely the traits one could expect from a leader and a veteran in a team.
Durant was the leading scorer for the Suns posting 25 points and 7 rebounds against the Clippers. Bradley Beal, on the other hand, was also phenomenal, posting 24 points.
Devin Booker, unfortunately, had a slow start to the game but eventually found his footing in the fourth quarter to finish the game with 15 points before fouling out.
