The newest chapter in the Kevin Durant and Stephen A. Smith feud emerged on Sunday, with the Brooklyn Nets superstar accusing the ESPN personality of being a “flat out hater.”
As previously reported, on Thursday’s episode of NBA Today, Stephen A. suggested that KD’s decision to leave Steph Curry and pair up with Kyrie Irving could define his career.
“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 stated.
After KD termed Smith’s remarks “egregious,” Durant’s mother moved 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 get tired of this foolishness?
Stephen A. later corrected his initial remarks on 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,” he said. “That’s all I am saying. I am not suggesting it is fair. “I’m not saying it’s correct.”
Durant quickly responded, tweeting, “Steve, since you decided to use ESPN to push your personal agendas, I’m sure your minions will run with this story for you, but if you believe this is what defines my career, then you’re just a flat out hater,” he tweeted. “It’s gonna be hard to box the god in.”
Hours later, Stephen A. fired back at KD on Twitter, writing, “Okay. Stop the nonsense. I’ve been on record as saying you’re the best in the world. This is not about your game, and you are aware of it. We all know you’re amazing and a champion. We shall celebrate that forever when you are finished playing.”
Smith went on to say, “But right now, you’re playing. Chapters are currently being written. You are assessed by what is happening right now.”
Smith followed up with four tweets in which he explained that he is merely “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 said. “The Nets are your team.” People will look to you. You certainly possess GREATNESS, and this is what comes with it. Do you want to go back and forth? “We can do it.”
Check out Stephen A.’s most recent tweets aimed at Durant below.