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KD doesn’t need to be the loudest voice—his game has been doing the talking all along.
Stephen A. Smith recently took a swing at Kevin Durant’s leadership, suggesting it’s the thing holding the Phoenix Suns back. According to Smith, Durant’s game is solid, but his leadership? Not so much.
Durant responded to the criticism on social media, respectfully disagreeing and saying he’d argue “passionately” that his intangibles match his talent. But if you know KD—you know that wasn’t the end of it.
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
After a win over Portland, Durant took it a step further in a post-game interview, calling Smith a “clown” (ouch) and pointing out that Stephen A. has never seen him in a single practice, film session, or at any NBA games where the real work happens. If Durant’s had enough of the armchair commentary in NBA news, it’s not hard to see why.
KD further responds to Stephen A. Smith’s comments on last weeks episode of First Take following last nights game.
(Via: @DougHaller / @TheAthletic) pic.twitter.com/jgNGVZ8D5g
— Complex Sports (@ComplexSports) November 3, 2024
Durant’s Style Isn’t Loud, But It Works
Durant’s not the type to be loud or give big pep talks, but that doesn’t mean he’s not leading. Suns coach Mike Budenholzer called his leadership “off the charts,” saying KD just sets the tone by showing up and working hard every day. He’s got his own way of doing things, and clearly, his teammates respect it.
Former Suns assistant Kevin Young added that Durant’s input is crucial during film sessions, where his quiet but focused leadership really shines. It’s not about how loud he is but how consistent and committed he’s been from day one.
Stephen A. Gonna have like 29482 videos responding to KD’s comments.
— warriorsworld (@warriorsworld) November 3, 2024
All the Proof Anyone Needs
If Durant’s leadership needs proof, just look at Kevin Durant’s stats. Now in his 18th season, he’s already in the top eight for all-time NBA scoring and still plays with the same drive that’s defined his career. For Booker, Beal, and the rest of the Suns, watching Durant grind each day is all the motivation they need.
So, if Stephen A. and the critics still doubt Durant’s leadership, they might be missing the bigger picture. KD doesn’t need to be the loudest voice—his game has been doing the talking all along. And if that’s not enough to convince people, maybe nothing will be.
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