Among the esteemed people who have frequently sparred with Kevin Durant is Charles Barkley. Barkley has been one of Durant’s toughest opponents. He has previously made numerous criticisms of the former MVP. This Sunday at the All-Star Game, Barkley called Durant a follower rather than a leader and dubbed Devin Booker the leader. Numerous analysts and players were prompted by his comments to voice their opinions and take sides.
Gilbert Arenas immediately followed and chose Durant’s side. He criticized Barkley for his remarks. In a recent “Nightcap” podcast episode, Arenas and Shannon Sharpe discussed Barkley’s recent remarks regarding KD being a follower. The three-time All-Star criticized Barkley’s background and said he lacked leadership qualities.
Gilbert Arenas said via Nightcap:
Charles Barkley’s resume didn’t scream out leadership either, right? You know you had Moses Malone over there when you went to the know, Western and Eastern Conference.
Gilbert Arenas said
Arenas mentioned that when Moses Malone first joined the Philadelphia 76ers, Charles Barkley had him. The Phoenix Suns, who were a well-established franchise when he joined, were his next stop.
Next, Shannon Sharpe brought up Kevin Durant, claiming that throughout his time with the Golden State Warriors, he was not the team’s leader. Sharpe revealed that although Durant calls him out on his leadership, he doesn’t want anyone to say the same.
Kevin Durant replies to more than just internet trolls when he receives criticism. Barkley wasn’t holding back during the TruTV alternative broadcast, calling Durant a “follower” and casting doubt on his capacity for leadership. However, Durant answered Barkley with contemplation rather than flaming arrows. Durant shared his thoughts in an interview with Boardroom, a website he co-owns, providing insight into the challenges of leadership that lie outside the public eye.
Kevin Durant (Credits: Sports Illustrated)Kevin Durant said:
I don’t feel like people call me a leader. But I also don’t want people to say I am not one either because they don’t see what goes on behind the scenes.
Kevin Durant said
To put it plainly, Durant didn’t respect the opinions of people who didn’t play on the same team as him.
“It’s just part of TV. They needed something to fill a segment up. So they talk about some negative shit, but if you’re not in the gym, I don’t respect your opinion if you’re not in the gym with me.”
Kevin Durant on Charles Barkley’s “follower” comments on leadership. #Suns pic.twitter.com/9TdI5uZAms
— Duane Rankin (@DuaneRankin) February 21, 2024
Ever since he failed to duplicate the success he experienced with the Golden State Warriors, questions have been raised about KD’s leadership abilities. That being said, no one has attacked him more than Barkley. Because of this, for the past few years, the two have even debated the same subject back and forth. Despite his leadership journey being contrary to popular belief, Durant is still one of the league’s most powerful players.
