Stephen A. Smith Reignites Kevin Durant Feud After 21YO Star’s NBA All-Star Snub Hits ESPN Reporter Hard

The All-Star list is out, and with it, came a wave of disappointment for many American fans. The list is meant to showcase all the stars, but should all the stars be called to the All-Star game? This raised a huge question over Kevin Durant’s inclusion. While not every star in the league makes the cut, some undeniably deserved a spot more than the veteran, pointed out an analyst.

When the discussion popped up on First Take, Stephen A. Smith shared his verdict. According to the ESPN analyst, there were two names that should have made the list. The first one is Victor Wembanyama. Stephen A. highlighted how the Spurs’ performance has been elevated thanks to the 21-year-old’s incredible contribution. “I mean, the San Antonio Spurs are two wins shy of matching their entire win total from last season. This brother is averaging 24 and 10 and leading the league with four blocks per game. He’s shooting 47% from the field. Yo, fellas, he’s shooting 35% from three-point range. I think that he’s a person that should have been,” Smith declared.

The other name on Smith’s list? “I think that you have to think about Anthony Davis,” the 57-year-old stated, offering a solid reason. “Because he’s averaging 25 and 11. The Lakers are a top-six seed in the Western Conference.” But then, a sacrifice needs to be made. He even decided what that would be. “I’m not taking LeBron out. I would have to take Kevin Durant out,” he said.

Stephen A. had no doubt about the remarkable presence Durant brings on the floor, but he also acknowledged that his team has had its fair share of ups and downs this season. The host said, “I understand he’s KD, and he is sensational, and he’s missed 10 games due to injuries this year, but the Phoenix Suns ain’t that great, and as far as I’m concerned, I think that somebody – I think that when you look at it from that standpoint, that’s how I would change things up.”

However, Smith clarified that he wouldn’t lose sleep over this decision. But by highlighting his choice to exclude Durant, he certainly reignited the existing feud.

Revisiting the heated feud between Stephen A. Smith and Kevin Durant

The Suns are barely clinging to the tenth spot in the West, with their leader, Kevin Durant, keeping them afloat. The two-time champion is averaging 27.2 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 4.1 assists, but the team has struggled to capitalize on his efforts. Internal tensions and inconsistencies have caused them to sink into deep water. Amid all these, Stephen A. made a remark on the star’s leadership skills.

Three months ago, Smith shared on the same show that he had no hope for the franchise’s championship aspirations. His reasoning was largely based on Durant’s abilities as a leader. “I don’t question the greatness nor commitment of Kevin Durant… When you are that great… you should be able to be a better leader than he has shown,” he stated.

When Durant heard the analyst’s take on X, he made sure to set the record straight. “I would disagree Stephen. I would argue, passionately, that my intangibles have always been on par with my talent,” the 36-year-old wrote. That wasn’t all.

In an interview with The Athletic, Durant didn’t hold back from saying, “I don’t understand how people even listen to Stephen A.” Durant emphasized that all the talk show host does is criticize players, rather than actually being involved in their work. “I’ve been in the league for 18 years. I’ve never seen Stephen A. at a practice, or a film session, or a shoot-around. I’ve never seen him anywhere but on TV talking s–t about players. … He’s a clown to me. He’s always been a clown.”

That must have stung Smith, and perhaps this was his chance to strike back. But the list is already set, and voters want to see Durant shine in the star-studded game for the 15th time. The spotlight will be waiting, ready to shine on the All-Stars as they step into the glittering February weekend.