“He’s a clown to me” – Kevin Durant blasts Stephen A. Smith over leadership criticism

Kevin Durant has had enough of the criticism about his leadership and recently addressed ESPN personality Stephen A. Smith’s comments directly.

In an interview with The Athletic published Sunday, Durant expressed frustration with Smith’s approach to player critiques.

“Yeah, Stephen A., I don’t understand how people even listen to Stephen A.,” the Phoenix Suns star told Doug Haller of The Athletic for a Sunday piece. “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 s–t about players. … He’s a clown to me. He’s always been a clown. You can write that, too.”

Durant’s remarks follow an October 24 episode of First Take, where Smith questioned Durant’s leadership. Durant responded initially on social media, stating, “I would disagree stephen. I would argue, passionately, that my intangibles have always been on par with my talent.”

When asked if he has become more vocal as a leader, Durant, now 36, said he has always focused on growing as a player and a teammate. “I’ve always been on this trajectory,” he said. “To say that I’m just sitting here… quiet, not talking to my coaches—like, come on, man. It’s just ridiculous.”

Durant’s performance has been a key factor in the Phoenix Suns’ strong 5-1 start this season. He is averaging 25.8 points, seven rebounds, and three assists per game, helping the Suns tie for second place in the Western Conference behind the Oklahoma City Thunder.

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Kevin Durant has been under the spotlight over his leadership

Few players face the level of scrutiny endured by Kevin Durant. Though his decision to join the Golden State Warriors in 2016 was widely debated, Durant’s achievements are indisputable: two NBA championships, two Finals MVPs, a league MVP, four scoring titles, 11 All-NBA selections, and 14 All-Star appearances.

Durant’s success extends internationally as the all-time leading scorer for U.S. men’s basketball, with four Olympic gold medals—more than any player in history. As a member of the 2024 Paris Olympics team, he played alongside LeBron James and Stephen Curry, guiding them to another gold.

Durant’s teammates and coaches within the Phoenix Suns see his leadership as invaluable. Point guard Tyus Jones emphasized the impact of Durant’s work ethic: “It’s contagious. He’s an all-time great. You see him showing up, going 110 percent each and every day, working on his craft. Even in Year 18, he’s still looking for ways to get better. He’s still pushing himself to get better. How do you not do the same?”

Head coach Mike Budenholzer also praised Durant’s influence, calling his leadership “off the charts” this season. Durant’s voice and commitment have been vital in bringing the Suns together as they push for success in the Western Conference.

Durant, for his part, values the support from those around him. “I’m glad my coaches and teammates got my back,” he said, prioritizing their confidence over the opinions of television critics.

Image Credits: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images and Kirby Lee-Imagn Images