Kevin Durant is lighting up the court for the Phoenix Suns this season, leading the team to an impressive 5-1 record and placing them second in the Western Conference. Despite his strong start with the Suns, Durant’s relationship with the media remains as strained as ever. Recently, he took aim at popular sports analyst Stephen A. Smith, calling him a “clown” after Smith questioned his leadership.
Smith didn’t take Durant’s comments lightly and responded with his own critique on ‘The Stephen A. Smith Show.’ With frustration in his voice, Smith defended his reputation and pointed to his involvement in a Durant project as evidence of his credibility.
“I’m a clown? Is that why your team called me to be a part of your documentary? Because I’m a clown? It’s your company. You run the show; you executive produced it. How come y’all called me? Kevin Durant, can anybody talk about you?” Smith said.
Smith didn’t stop there. He challenged Durant on a statement the player made years ago when he left the Oklahoma City Thunder for the Golden State Warriors in search of what he called a “better brand of basketball.”
“I just need clarity. After departing from Oklahoma City, sitting across from me, you said you wanted to play a better brand of basketball. Well, then what was the excuse for leaving to go to Brooklyn?” he added.
Stephen A. Smith Drags Feud With Kevin Durant To ESPN’s First Take
The tension between Kevin Durant and sports analyst Stephen A. Smith isn’t cooling down. Smith continued the conversation on ESPN’s First Take Monday morning, where he didn’t hold back. Smith pointed out that Durant has been familiar with his presence throughout his NBA career while claiming that, unlike a regular reporter, he doesn’t need constant access to stay informed.
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“Kevin Durant has seen me in the locker room when he was in Oklahoma City. He has seen me in the locker room when he was at Golden State. He has certainly seen me at games throughout his career,” Smith said.
“But, unfortunately for him, I don’t have to be at shootaround, and I don’t have to be in the postgame locker room,” he added.
Both Durant and Smith are always vocal when presenting their sides. It’ll remain to be seen how Durant responds to Smith’s back-to-back criticism.
Also Read: Kevin Durant “Highly Doubts” The Possibility Of Him Getting A Statue Like Dwyane Wade In The Future
