Charles Barkley took it to live TV once again to mention that Kevin Durant is still not a “leader” or the “bus driver” during the All-Star weekend. This has been a controversial topic for the last few years, but Barkley is not willing to change his stance. He doesn’t believe KD is the captain of the ship and, as always, the Phoenix Suns star had a reply for the Sixers legend, but this was in his podcast with his NBA agent.

Well, many have taken sides in this debate. The latest to do so is an ex-ESPN employee who has revealed an interesting quote by Durant from 2017, to side with Barkley. 

Chris Broussard read KD’s quotes about his role with the Golden State Warriors from 2017. Broussard called Durant out, “You said this according to GQ, ‘Steph Curry is the face of the franchise and that helps me out because I don’t have to… I don’t wanna have to be the leader. I’m not a leader, I’m bad at saying, ‘Stand behind me and follow me’…I’m one of those guys that’s just like, ‘Let’s do this together’… That’s my way of leadership, I lead it by example’.”

The ex-ESPN employee basically called out the 2-time champion for what he thinks is a double standard. It looks like there will soon be a new debate on social media if this reaches Durant’s ears. 

Broussard says that Durant might have changed in the last seven years. His role with the Warriors and later with the Nets and the Suns are all not the same. However, the 55-year-old analyst wants to hear from Durant himself. KD might address this soon, but he did have quite a lot to say about Barkley’s opinion.

How did Kevin Durant indirectly give a reply to Charles Barkley? 

In his ‘Boardroom’ podcast, Durant was questioned about the media ignoring his leadership. He shared, “I’m not charismatic as my peers, I don’t have a personality that’s like fit for TV…You gotta sell what you’re doing as well. I haven’t sold it enough. I don’t feel like I need to. I don’t feel like I want people to call me a leader, but I also don’t want people to say I’m not one.” 

The “people” referred to by Durant obviously include Barkley. It’s fine for the Suns star if they don’t credit him for leadership. However, Barkley firmly says the Slim Reaper is not a leader at all. What do you think? 

Read more: Ex-Warriors Star Defends Kevin Durant Calling Out Charles Barkley’s Hypocrisy

Share your take in the comments below.