Kevin Durant disses head NBA analyst who is “trying to run for president”

Joe Krasnowski

Kevin Durant disses head NBA analyst who is “trying to run for president” image

Stephen A. Smith has been at the top of the NBA news cycle for weeks now, but has now ignited an argument with another one of this generation's superstars. 

After Smith dissed Kevin Durant in a segment titled "How much blame does Durant deserve for the Suns season?”, KD took his own shot at Smith after a fan pointed out the talking points on X.

“Steve is trying to run for president, u think he actually paid attention to a struggling team?? It’s called propaganda” Durant wrote on X. 

 Suns owner Mat Ishbia certainly doesn’t think that Durant deserves much of the blame, as he recently fired Mike Budenholzer, meaning Durant will have a new head coach next year — if he stays in Phoenix. 

Smith then fired back at Kevin Durant a day later saying, "Are we allowed to say anything?" Smith said. "There’s a residue of crumbs all over the place about things that have transpired in the career of Kevin Durant. We might question things here and there, but nobody disrespects this man. I love the guy. I don’t disrespect him. I’m simply saying, elements of leadership that other people may have had to galvanize a team is something that he doesn’t seem to have."

Smith has been a massive voice in the NBA and sporting communities throughout his time at the top of the media food chain. The political career that Durant alluded to, however, is currently to be determined. 

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Although the Sun's season was disappointing, Durant still averaged 26.6 points, 6 rebounds and 4.2 assists per game.


 

Joe Krasnowski

Joe Krasnowski is a freelance writer with The Sporting News covering women’s basketball. He is a sophomore at the University of Oregon. Since coming to Eugene, he has had the opportunity to work in Minor League Baseball, cover the 2025 Rose Bowl and interview San Francisco Giants Hall of Famer Will Clark.