Phoenix Suns star Kevin Durant is often on the receiving end of criticism from a few legends of the game. Most of the criticism has been regarding KD switching teams to get the best chance at a championship. After failing to achieve his goal with the Brooklyn Nets, the 6’11 star was traded to the Suns right before the deadline. While he is currently sidelined due to an injury, Durant took time to clap back at one of his biggest critics, Charles Barkley.
The Phoenix Suns star isn’t the biggest fan of Barkley’s infamous ‘Bus Driver’ analogy. In a recent interview for the ‘Boardroom’ podcast, KD addressed the NBA Hall of Famer’s constant criticism.?
Despite his admiration for Barkley, Kevin Durant didn’t hold back
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While KD has clapped back at Barkley on social media previously, the 2014 MVP slammed the Suns legend for his “bus rider” analogy. When asked about Barkley’s analogy, KD questioned, “Why is that analogy even brought up for teams?”.
.@KDTrey5 on Charles Barkley:
"He's a fucking legend that I've got nothing but respect for… I'm gonna play with pride knowing that he put blood, sweat and tears into this organization. … As an analyst, I don't really fuck with your approach."
📺: https://t.co/gnVlNwemcP pic.twitter.com/ZXtielFH3S
— Boardroom (@boardroom) March 15, 2023
He further added,?“I feel like the only reason why that kept traction was because that was about me specifically…Charles Barkley said that about me, disrespecting my game as a part of the storyline.”?KD threw shade by adding,?“And that’s probably why he didn’t get what he wanted because he thought it was all about being a bus driver when we all sitting in the bus together”
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In the very same interview, Durant clarified there is no such beef between him and Barkley. Rather, he has a lot of respect for Chuck and believes he is an NBA legend.
Charles Barkley slammed “bus rider” Kevin Durant last year
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After the departure of Kyrie Irving and with no support left from the organization, KD decided to leave the Nets. During his time with the team, KD took the Nets to the playoffs twice in four years. In the 2022 Playoffs, KD and Irving could not help but watch the Boston Celtics sweep the Nets 4-0 in the first round.
Even after KD’s efforts with the Nets, Charles Barkley went off on the 2x NBA champion. When asked whether Kevin Durant was a great player, Barkley replied, “You guys always talk about the championship stuff…All these bus riders, they don’t mean nothing to me. If you ain’t driving the bus, don’t walk around talking about you a champion.”?
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It wouldn’t be a surprise to see Barkley address KD’s comments in the coming days. What are your thoughts on Durant’s comments? Do you think he went overboard with the disrespect? Let us know in the comments.