Kevin Durant is undeniably one of the most iconic players in the NBA over the past two decades, yet the recognition he deserves as a basketball legend is often missing from mainstream media, particularly from some of his outspoken critics. Among the most prominent of these critics is ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith, who has frequently taken aim at Durant, most recently questioning his leadership abilities just last week. In response, Durant fired back in a candid interview with *The Athletic*, calling Stephen A. a “clown” and voicing his frustration with the media personality.
Durant did not hold back, expressing his disbelief at how Smith still garners attention. “Yeah, Stephen A., I don’t understand how people even listen to Stephen A. 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— about players… He’s a clown to me. He’s always been a clown. You can write that, too.”
This latest spat is just another chapter in a long-running feud. Stephen A. has had a history of criticizing Durant, and his recent comments about Durant’s leadership skills prompted a social media rebuttal from the two-time NBA champion, followed by numerous interactions with fans in his replies. Durant expressed his strong disagreement, responding, “I would disagree, Stephen. I would argue, passionately, that my intangibles have always been on par with my talent.”
Smith had also stirred the pot during the offseason by pushing rumors that the Phoenix Suns were considering trading Durant. He went as far as claiming that even the Houston Rockets—who were linked to Durant—didn’t want him. “Pay no attention to what Phoenix is saying. They want out of Kevin Durant right now. That’s number one. Number two, also, Houston doesn’t want Kevin Durant. Ime Udoka may want him, but organizationally, they know they are not there yet, so their plans are more long-range. And they would prefer a Devin Booker, who they know it’s a slim chance they’ll get, but that would be their preference.”
Smith didn’t stop there. He continued his public criticism on national TV, implying that Durant wasn’t happy with the Suns after their early playoff exit in 2024, and suggested the 35-year-old forward had become disconnected from his teammates and coaches. “It is a problem. We don’t see it ’cause the stats are there… They say Kevin Durant is never happy. They say he went more than a month without even talking to the head coach (Frank Vogel). They say he doesn’t look happy there. All he wants to do is play when the game starts and tip-off time arrives, but when it comes to ingratiating yourself with your teammates and getting along with everybody and stuff like that, he just lives in his own world.”
Perhaps one of the most brutal moments in their ongoing rivalry came last season when Smith tore into Durant for what he deemed a lackluster stretch of performances. Calling him “pathetic” and accusing him of playing without heart or pride, Smith criticized Durant’s approach to the game. “Pathetic. No heart whatsoever. No pride whatsoever. You bring into account their culture and I think that’s what’s something that needs to be talked about for a quick second… What the hell are you doing? Why are you out there?! You’re Kevin Durant. You can average 30 in your sleep.”
Durant’s response to this barrage of criticism was long-awaited by many, and it’s clear he has no love lost for the ESPN commentator. The tension between the two is palpable, and fans are now wondering how Stephen A. will retaliate. Given his penchant for fiery responses, it’s highly likely that Smith will take his shot at Durant on tomorrow’s *First Take*, making this sudden November beef a story to follow closely as the rivalry between the NBA superstar and the media personality continues to escalate.