Stephen A. Smith Delivers Harsh Words To Kevin Durant

BYAlexander Cole2.4K Views
Link Copied to Clipboard!
Boston Celtics v Miami Heat - Game Five
Commentator Stephen A. Smith looks on prior to Game Five between the Boston Celtics and the Miami Heat in the 2022 NBA Playoffs Eastern Conference Finals at FTX Arena on May 25, 2022 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Eric Espada/Getty Images)
Stephen A. Smith has never shied away from giving his unfiltered opinion.

Stephen A. Smith has been a staunch critic of Kevin Durant over the past few years. With that being said, there is a lot to critique KD over. This is especially true when you consider how KD tried to hold the Nets hostage this past summer. Durant requested a trade from the team that never actually came to fruition. He lost his battle with team owner Joe Tsai, and Smith has had a lot of fun with his criticisms of the situation.

Durant got to speak on Monday during the Nets' media day. KD was asked plenty of questions about his commitment to the Nets, especially in light of his previous trade request. Durant was quite defensive when answering the question, and he even claimed that his play on the court speaks for itself and that his commitment cannot be questioned.

Rodin Eckenroth/Getty Images

Stephen A. certainly doesn't see it that way, and he let his feelings be known during yesterday's episode of First Take. As you can see in the clip down below, Smith accused KD of wanting to run from the grind, while also saying that this is KD's team and it is his responsibility to make it work.

"Essentially you were ready to cut and run. That's your team. ... When your that dude and you don't like the way things are, you've got some influence to change it!" Smith said.

Let us know what you think of Smith's take, in the comments section down below.

About The Author
Alexander Cole is the current editor-in-chief of HotNewHipHop. He started at HotNewHipHop back in 2018 where he began as a Sports and Sneakers writer. It was here where he began to hone his craft, putting his journalism degree from Concordia University in Montreal, Quebec, to good use. Since that time, he has documented some of the biggest stories in the hip-hop world. From the Kendrick Lamar and Drake beef to the disturbing allegations against Diddy, Alex has helped HotNewHipHop navigate large-scale stories as they happen. In 2021, he went to the Bahamas for the Big 3's Championship Game. It was here where he got to interview legendary figures like Ice Cube, Clyde Drexler, and Stephen Jackson. He has also interviewed other superstar athletes such as Antonio Brown, Damian Lillard, and Paul Pierce. This is in addition to conversations with social media provocateurs like Jake Paul, and younger respected artists like Kaycyy, Lil Tecca, and Jeleel!
...