A heated exchange unfolded this week between NBA superstar Kevin Durant and ESPN personality Stephen A. Smith concerning the Phoenix Suns’ disappointing season and the degree of responsibility Durant bears for their struggles.
During a segment on “First Take,” the show posed the question: “How much blame does Durant deserve for the Suns’ season?” Smith then launched into an assessment suggesting that Suns owner Mat Ishbia may be heading towards being considered one of the least successful owners in professional basketball history.
Durant responded to the discussion on X, after a fan brought his attention to Smith’s commentary. “Steve is trying to run for president, u think he actually paid attention to a struggling team?? It’s called propaganda,”
Durant wrote.
He further asserted that the initial wave of criticism against him began with his decision to leave the Oklahoma City Thunder and join the Golden State Warriors in 2016. Durant secured two championships during his tenure with the Warriors before moving on to the Brooklyn Nets.
Expressing a strong sense of self-belief, Durant stated, “I believe I am one of the greatest leaders of all time,”
and lamented that some fans failed to recognize this quality.
The Suns’ gamble on acquiring Durant during the 2022-23 season involved significant sacrifices. The team relinquished valuable draft picks and key players, including Cameron Johnson and Mikail Bridges, in order to bring him aboard.
Despite Durant’s individual performance—averaging 26.6 points, 6 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game—the Suns ultimately finished the season with a record of 36-46. He remained their leading scorer and held the highest value over replacement player rating on the team.
As a result, Durant is widely anticipated to be a prominent trade candidate prior to the 2025-26 campaign, carrying a substantial $54.7 million cap hit.
Adding another layer of change for the organization, the Suns have also parted ways with head coach Mike Budenholzer.
Here’s what’s contributing to the current situation:
- 2022-23 Trade: The Suns traded draft picks and players like Cameron Johnson and Mikail Bridges to acquire Durant.
- Season Record: The team finished with a 36-46 record, falling short of expectations.
- Durant’s Stats: He averaged 26.6 points, 6 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game.
- Financial Impact: Durant will have a $54.7 million cap hit prior to the 2025-26 season.
- Coaching Change: The Suns have dismissed Mike Budenholzer as head coach.
Stephen A. Smith defended his commentary, emphasizing that he holds respect for Durant and is simply questioning aspects of leadership. “Are we allowed to say anything? … 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.”
