Kevin Durant is one of the greatest scorers in NBA history. At 35 years old, KD is a 2-time Champion, 2-time Finals MVP, and 1-time Regular Season MVP. Despite stacking up a Hall of Fame resume, Durant has garnered criticism from many because of the route he took to achieve greatness. Arguably Durant’s harshest critic has been NBA legend Charles Barkley.

The Round Mound of Rebound has been critical of Kevin Durant’s career trajectory for many years and made his feelings public on several occasions. Most recently, Barkley questioned KD’s leadership during the TruTV alternative broadcast of the 2024 All-Star Game. “No disrespect to Kevin. Kevin’s a follower. He’s not a leader. He’s proven that on all his stops,” he said.

Barkley’s comments caught Durant’s attention, and he explained why analysts on TV resort to criticism. “It’s just part of TV. They needed something to fill a segment up. So they talk about some negative sh*t, but if you’re not in the gym, I don’t respect your opinion if you’re not in the gym with me,” KD responded to the TNT analyst’s comments.

The All-Star Game was not the first time Charles Barkley had something negative to say about the Phoenix Suns superstar. Barkley called Durant a “bus rider” instead of a “bus driver” during a 2022 segment on Inside the NBA. “If you ain’t driving the bus, don’t walk around talking about you a champion.”

Barkley claimed KD was not the best player on the Warriors team during his Championship runs despite winning 2 Finals MVP trophies. The Hall of Famer also called Durant “very sensitive” and “part of that generation who think he can’t be criticized.”

Do Charles Barkley’s comments have credibility?

While most critics and analysts on television have very limited or no experience playing basketball, Charles Barkley is a different case. He was a superstar during his time in the NBA. Barkley was an 11-time All-Star and led the Phoenix Suns to the NBA Finals against Michael Jordan. So, his comments have more credibility than most TV personalities because he has firsthand experience of playing in the NBA. Barkley’s never-ending criticism of KD is mainly because he won his Championships after joining a 73-win Warriors team.

Even veteran analyst Stephen A. Smith called Durant’s move to the Warriors “the weakest move he had ever seen from a superstar.” Even though Kevin Durant is one of the greatest players in NBA history, he might need to win another championship on his own to silence the critics. KD has that chance this season with the Phoenix Suns, as he is the best player on that roster.

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