In response to Kevin Durant’s recent comments calling him a “clown,” Stephen A. Smith took to ESPN’s First Take to address the criticism with a blend of professionalism and pointed rebuttals. Durant had remarked that he’d only ever seen Smith on TV, claiming he “talks trash” about players without actually engaging with the game on a personal level. Smith pushed back, recounting instances where Durant had seen him at games and in locker rooms, clarifying that his position on a top-rated show keeps him busy and precludes him from attending every team event.
Smith also added that he respects Durant’s talent and contribution to basketball but couldn’t resist a jab at Durant’s recent playoff struggles. He noted that as Durant ages, his “sensitivity” seems to increase while “maturity” remains stagnant, expressing hope that Durant can avoid another playoff sweep.
Later, on The Stephen A. Smith Show, Smith adopted a more confrontational tone, pointing out that Durant’s media projects, such as The Boardroom, had previously involved him, questioning why a “clown” would be sought for those collaborations. He further criticized Durant’s decision to join the Brooklyn Nets in 2019 over the Knicks, calling it a poor business choice given the Nets’ struggles.
This exchange highlights a tension between Smith’s role as a media personality and Durant’s sometimes thin-skinned reactions to criticism. As the season unfolds, Durant’s focus on leading the Phoenix Suns could either dispel or further fuel this c
lash.
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