Kevin Durant And Stephen A. Smith have been bickering for years. Recently, the ESPN journalist questioned the leadership of the Suns winger, his ability to inspire, to raise the level of his teammates. Initially, once the extract was posted on X (formerly Twitter), the player made a polite response, expressing his disagreement.
Asked about the same subject in the locker room after the victory against Portland on Saturday night, Kevin Durant took fewer gloves. Or let's say he took those for boxing.
“I don’t even understand why people listen to Stephen A. Smith,” he begins. “I've been in the league for 18 years and I've never seen Stephen A. at a practice, a video session or a shootaround. I only see him on television saying stupid things about the players. He's a clown to me, he always has been. You can write that. »
Once this barb was launched, the All-Star returned to the basis of the criticism – his possible lack of leadership – which he judges “so vague and subjective”. “I am described as someone who arrives in the locker room, does not speak to my teammates or my coaches and who would be silent. Honestly, it's ridiculous.”he continues.
Leadership by example
It is therefore others who can best speak about the attitude of the local star. “He sets the tone for the franchise, for the team. And it’s not just through leadership. He is a voice. He puts his arms around the young players, around the veterans, around me. It's important to us. I don't know if he likes it or if he knows it, but I'm going to push him to give the best of himself, in all areas, including as a leader.”explains Mike Budenholzer.
It is therefore above all with his daily work that the former Warriors sets an example, and thus pushes his teammates to follow him, to be even better.
“It’s contagious. He is one of the best in history and he gives 110% every day and works on his game. Even in his 18th season, he is looking to progress. He works hard to improve. How can you not do the same? “, says Tyus Jones. “Very often, we are in killer mode and we want everyone to follow this path,” adds Bradley Beal. “He gives encouragement and confidence to Ryan Dunn. This is why guys raise their level: when players like Durant support you. »
Kevin Durant can therefore rejoice in everyone's comments. “I am happy to see that my coaches and my teammates support me”he slips. These include the leadership style of the man with more than 29,000 points. “Everyone has their own way of connecting with others. Some are very enthusiastic, but there are few in the group. We have players who only think about results. You either succeed in getting things done or you don't, and Kevin Durant is very good at making sure everyone takes responsibility.”concludes Josh Okogie.
