The growth and development of broadcasting platforms have paved the way for more people to voice their opinions and criticisms of professional athletes. From popular morning talk shows to podcasts to YouTube channels, there is no shortage of outlets for individuals to express their thoughts on athletes and their performance both on and off the court.
Kevin Durant, a two-time champion and a former league MVP, is no stranger to this type of scrutiny. Despite consistently being an all-time great, the Phoenix Suns ace has faced criticism for allegedly not being a vocal leader on his team. In an interview with The Athletic, KD expressed frustration with these overarching judgments placed upon him, stating that it was “ridiculous” to label him as someone who is not a leader.
A basketball purist
Throughout his career, the 6’11” forward has proven himself to be aloof, a man who keeps his circle small and his life private. This has led many to believe he is not a true leader, as leaders are often expected to be outgoing and vocal. However, KD’s on and off-court actions speak volumes about his leadership abilities.
While some All-Stars like Chris Paul and LeBron James are known for their vocal leadership, the former Texas Longhorn leads by example. He is a perfectionist on the court. Despite being one of the sport’s all-time greats, he never fails to continue working on his craft and pushing his teammates to do the same.
“I’ve always been on this trajectory of diving deep into the game, not just for myself but for the whole team. To say that I’m just sitting here, you paint this picture of me coming into the locker room, not talking to my teammates, quiet, not talking to my coaches. Like, come on, man. It’s just ridiculous,” KD asserted.
Coaches and teammates have his back
His Suns coach, Mike Budenholzer, and teammates have immediately praised KD’s leadership style. They acknowledge his dedication and work ethic and the positive impact they have on the team.
“He set the tone for us as an organization, for us as a team. And it’s not just been by leadership. It’s been his voice. He’s put his arms around young players. He’s put his arm around veterans. He’s put his arm around me. It’s something that’s important to us,” Bud stated.
Fellow All-Star Bradley Beal also shared that KD’s presence has profoundly impacted rookie forward Ryan Dunn, who has been a revelation for the Suns, averaging 7.8 points and shooting 39 percent from beyond the arc.
“That encouragement that he gives and that confidence he gives Ryan, that goes a long way. That’s a reason why guys step up and play the way they do when you have guys like (Durant) backing you up,” Beal shared.
There are different strokes for different folks, and for the Phoenix Suns, KD’s leadership has been crucial to their 5-1 start this season. From his support of young players like Dunn to the composure he shows when the game hangs in the balance, Durant’s influence has been invaluable to the team.