The Phoenix Suns have put last year’s disappointing playoff exit behind them with an impressive 5-1 start to the 2024-2025 season, boosting Kevin Durant’s confidence.
Currently, Durant and the Suns hold the second-best record in the Western Conference, gearing up for a Monday night matchup against the Philadelphia 76ers in Phoenix. On Sunday, Durant’s remarks about the well-known sports commentator Stephen A. Smith came to light, as he expressed his frustrations with the veteran media figure without holding anything back.
“Yeah, Stephen A., I really don’t get how anyone listens to him,” Durant remarked to The Athletic. “I’ve played in the league for 18 years, and I’ve never seen Stephen A. at a practice, a film session, or a shoot-around. The only place I’ve seen him is on TV, trash-talking players. To me, he’s a clown. He’s always been a clown. Feel free to write that.” Last month, Smith questioned Durant’s leadership during a segment on ESPN’s First Take, saying, “I don’t doubt Kevin Durant’s greatness or his commitment. But when you’re that great, you should be a better leader than what he’s shown.” Durant’s comments came after coach Mike Budenholzer praised his leadership this season, calling it “off the charts.”
This led Durant to ask another media member, “Why’d you ask him that?” possibly alluding to Smith’s criticisms.
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