“Not Telling Him to Be Jordan”: Stephen A. Demands Kevin Durant to Maximize Potential Amid Suns’ Injury Woes

The Phoenix Suns’ season has been a roller coaster of emotions. Despite having a lethal offensive trio of Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, and Bradley Beal on their roster, the Suns are stuck at the 7th spot in the Western Conference standings. Their problems continue to grow as several stars are out of action due to injury. Veteran analyst Stephen A. Smith claims the responsibility to keep the struggling Suns afloat lies on Kevin Durant’s shoulders.

In the latest episode of The Stephen A. Smith Show, the analyst demanded Durant get out of his comfort zone and use his leadership to maximize the Suns’ potential. Smith brought up the fact that KD has been unable to get past the second round since he left the Warriors. The veteran analyst also reminded Durant that Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant never worried about making friends. Even though Stephen A. was “not telling him (Durant) to be Jordan”, he issued a challenge for the 2-time Champion. “Be whatever it takes to maximize your potential because that’s what winners do.” Stephen A. said.

Kevin Durant is having a great individual season. He has been the only consistent piece in the Suns’ injury-riddled roster. KD has played in 54 games and averaged 27.8 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 5.5 assists. He is certainly not responsible for the Suns’ struggles. However, Durant is the only superstar on the team who has won a Championship. According to Stephen A. Smith, KD needs to channel his inner Champion and motivate his teammates to play better and turn their season around.

Jusuf Nurkić’s status amid Devin Booker’s injury raises concerns

The Suns have struggled all season because luck has not been on their side. Just when Bradley Beal returned from injury, Devin Booker injured his ankle. Booker missed the last game against the Thunder due to the injury and is expected to remain out of action for 7-10 days. That means he will not suit up for tomorrow’s game against the Denver Nuggets. Apart from Booker, Josh Okogie (abdomen) and Nassir Little (knee) will also miss tomorrow’s game due to injury.

Read More: “Sh*t’s Gotta Change”: Kevin Durant, Jusuf Nurkic, and the Suns Set #1 Priority After Avoidable Loss vs OKC

Amid the Suns’ injury woes, Center Jusuf Nurkic’s health has raised even more concerns. Nurkic is dealing with a right calf tightness, and his status is questionable for the Nuggets clash. If Nurkic misses tomorrow’s game, Durant will not have much support on the floor to lead the Suns to victory. With the Warriors and the Lakers lurking to steal their spot, Kevin Durant needs to channel his inner Champion and help the Suns play winning basketball despite the absence of injured superstars.