The latest chapter in the Kevin Durant and Stephen A. Smith back-and forth-unfolded on Sunday, with the Brooklyn Nets superstar calling out the ESPN personality for being a “flat out hater.”
As previously reported, on Thursday’s episode of NBA Today, Stephen A. claimed that KD’s career could be defined by his decision to leave Steph Curry and team up with Kyrie Irving.
“If these brothers [Nets] do not win the championship, do you understand that Kevin Durant is on the verge for being recognized more so for the guy that left Steph Curry to go with Kyrie Irving than for the 2 chips and the 2 Finals MVPs?” Smith said.
After KD called Smith’s comments “egregious,” Durant’s mother took to Twitter to defend her son, writing, “@stephenasmith you at it again with your limited-thinking-negative-narrative-baiting-comments; when will you show up better? More importantly, when will we grow tired of this foolishness?”
From there, Stephen A. clarified his initial remarks during Saturday’s episode of NBA Countdown.
“All I’m saying is there’s going to be people, especially if Golden State wins and Brooklyn doesn’t win, that are going to look at his choice to join with Kyrie Irving and depart from Steph Curry, as opposed to stay with Steph Curry,” Smith explained. “That’s all I’m saying. I’m not saying it’s fair. I’m not saying it’s right.”
It didn’t take long before Durant issued a response, tweeting, “Steve, since u decided to use ESPN to push your personal agendas, I’m sure your minions will run with this story for you, but if u believe this is what my career is defined by then you just a flat out hater,” he wrote. “It’s gonna be hard to box the god in.”
Hours later, Stephen A. took to Twitter to clap back at KD, writing, “Okay. Stop the b.s. Religiously I’ve been on the record calling you the best in the WORLD. This is not about your game and you know it. We all know you’re great and you’re a champion. We will celebrate that forever when you’re DONE playing.”
Smith continued, “But right now, YOU ARE PLAYING. Chapters are still being written. You’re measured by what’s taking place in the moment.”
Smith posted another four tweets in which he explains that he’s simply “calling it like I see it,” and that he “meant no disrespect” to KD.
“I’m simply pointing out that you have to win, or else there’s going to be a narrative that you don’t like,” he wrote. “The Nets are YOUR team. Folks will look to YOU. That’s what comes along with GREATNESS…….which is what you clearly possess. You want to go back and forth? We can do that.”
Check out Stephen A.’s latest tweets aimed at Durant below.
