Despite only being a few days into the NBA season, Kevin Durant and Stephen A. Smith are already having a debate on social media.
On this Thursday’s edition of “First Take,” Smith made it clear that he doesn’t have much faith in the Phoenix Suns this season. His main issue is that he can’t trust Durant as the leader of the franchise.
“I don’t question the greatness nor commitment of Kevin Durant,” Smith said. “When you are that great … you should be able to be a better leader than he has shown.”
A few hours after Smith made those remarks on “First Take,” the two-time NBA champion fired back on social media.
“I would disagree stephen,” Durant replied. “I would argue, passionately, that my intangibles have always been on par with my talent.”
It didn’t take long for Smith to respond to this post from Durant. He kept things respectful, which is always nice to see.
“And I would argue, passionately, that very little compares to your obvious GREATNESS as a talent. Including those intangibles.#Respectfully,” Smith wrote.
.@stephenasmith doesn’t have “much” belief in the Suns with KD as their superstar 👀
“I don’t question the greatness nor commitment of Kevin Durant. … When you are that great … you should be able to be a better leader than he has shown.” pic.twitter.com/0DTd5Vxvfh
— First Take (@FirstTake) October 24, 2024
Durant and Smith have clashed in the past, so this exchange on social media is nothing new for NBA fans.
It’s a bit odd though that Smith went after Durant following a win for the Suns. The former MVP had 25 points on 8-of-17 shooting from the field.
The Suns will take on the Los Angeles Lakers this Friday. That’ll be a tough test for Durant’s squad.
A win this Friday would help the Suns out in the standings, but it probably won’t change Smith’s stance on Durant.
Related: Stephen A. Smith: Kawhi Leonard Might Be ‘Worst Superstar’ In Sports History