In every generation of sporting history, you will find a trio we often call the Big Three. In the present scene, the NBA’s iconic three include the ever-lethal Kevin Durant. The 6’11” power forward of the Phoenix Suns is a legend of the sport. But, his records don’t seem enough to convince analyst Stephen A. Smith, who believes the 36YO is yet to acquire a commanding position with the Suns.

Lately, the ESPN veteran strongly opined that he doesn’t have “much” belief in the Suns with KD as their superstar. He stated: “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.” Well, it would’ve been a surprise had Durant remained silent in this matter. But he took his moment to throw a jab at the analyst.

Taking the matter up, Kevin Durant shared his strong opinions of disagreement on his X handle. KD wrote: “I would disagree Stephen. I would argue, passionately, that my intangibles have always been on par with my talent.” The 14x NBA All-Star keeps faith in his ‘intangibles’ – his leadership and work ethic. And trusting them as much as his talent on the court, KD threw his rebuttal at Stephen A. Smith. Meanwhile, the analyst didn’t waste a moment to say: “And I would argue, passionately, that very little compares to your obvious GREATNESS as a talent. Including those intangibles.#Respectfully.”

This has put the ESPN analyst in an odd position as fans of Kevin Durant and basketball enthusiasts have come forward to continue KD’s trail of thoughts. Amidst all this, there have been people who’ve questioned the basketball icon’s abilities too, and surprisingly, Durant is going around silencing his naysayers. At the same time, this back-and-forth between the forward and Stephen A. Smith is reigniting old beef between the two.

Revisiting old tension between Kevin Durant and Stephen A. Smith

Fans have come in defense of Kevin Durant. Smith’s comment section is currently flooded with fans expressing their thoughts. One of them pointed out: “They did have KD mic’d up last night and other times. There are sound bites of him encouraging and uplifting and holding his teammates accountable. I don’t know where this he isn’t a leader or he doesn’t display leadership qualities narrative came from.” Well, fans are undoubtedly protecting their favorite NBA superhero from the harsh words of the ESPN vet. Meanwhile, this drama is bringing back memories of when KD and Stephen A. Smith bickered with each other almost every day.

Well, if we begin counting the number of times Kevin Durant and Stephen A. Smith clashed with each other, we could write at least a ten-volume novel series! But, let’s start from the start. We must see the root of the constant difference of opinion. In 2015, Stephen A. Smith claimed Kevin Durant was considering leaving the Oklahoma City Thunder for the Lakers. KD shot back, saying: “I don’t talk to Stephen A. Smith at all. Nobody in my family, my friends, they don’t talk to Stephen A. Smith. So he’s lying.”

This sparked a memorable First Take segment where Smith warned Durant not to make an enemy out of him. Tensions simmered as Smith later labeled the 2x Finals MVP’s move to the Warriors the “weakest” by a superstar. After a 2019 meeting that seemed to clear the air, disagreements reignited in 2022 when Smith criticized Michael Jordan’s impact on the game. Durant countered, blaming Smith and other analysts for the decline of basketball assessment.

As the rivalry continues, it’s clear that both men aren’t afraid to express their opinions, setting the stage for potential future exchanges. However, the blatant claims on KD’s intangibles might have been a bit too harsh. At least, his fans would vouch for it. Meanwhile, Stephen A. Smith is known for his bold thinking and honestly, nothing much has changed over the years. Therefore, if you expect this feud will end anytime soon, it just doesn’t look like it. But, who knows?