Kevin Durant criticizes Stephen A. Smith following Phoenix Suns victory

Kevin Durant has played in the NBA for eighteen years, and his leadership has always been questioned. LeBron James, his former competitor, is frequently praised for his ability to improve his teammates, something that the 14-time All-Star has always been chastised for failing to do despite his excellence.

The recent remarks made by Stephen A. Smith on his lack of optimism for the Phoenix Suns for the 2024–25 season rekindled the conversation about leadership. On ESPN's First Take, Smith questioned Durant's leadership skills. He declared, "I don't doubt Kevin Durant's greatness or dedication. When you are so good, you ought to be able to lead more effectively than he has.

Stephen A. Smith and Kevin Durant have the trait of not being scared to voice their opinions. Smith is widely considered the best sports personality on television today, while Durant is one of the most powerful scorers in NBA history. Both are superstars in their own right.  Therefore, it should be no surprise that the two don't always agree and that neither of them is scared to voice their opinions. That's precisely what occurred on Saturday when Durant slammed Smith after the Suns defeated the Portland Trail Blazers 103-97.

Durant objected to several remarks Smith made on his capacity as a leader. This comes after Suns coach Mike Budenholzer, who was in his first season, said he was quite happy with Durant's leadership abilities and described his efforts as "off the charts."

Kevin Durant concerns for leadership skills

Smith has previously expressed scathing views about Durant's leadership skills, and the Suns star took issue with the comments during his Saturday media appearance. When it comes to sports conversation, Durant said he understands how things operate, but he didn't want to hear it from someone who just speaks at a desk.

Kevin Durant has never guided a team to ultimate glory, which is the basis for the leadership charges against him. Most people still believe that Curry was the team's captain, even though he was named the Finals MVP during the Dubs' two championships in 2017 and 2018. His fourth career destination is Phoenix. Despite both teams being excellent, his time with the Thunder and the Nets ended without a title. These factors have heightened concerns about the 36-year-old's capacity for leadership.