Suns’ Kevin Durant Offers Candid Opinion on Why His Leadership is Criticized

Phoenix Suns star Kevin Durant hears the criticism, and as he’s proven throughout his career, has no problem addressing it openly. One area of scrutiny that Durant thinks the media critics have targeted is his leadership ability, and the 35-year-old veteran voiced the belief that it stems from not being as charismatic as some of his NBA counterparts.

Durant addressed this topic when asked by his agent, Rich Kleiman, why he believes the media doesn’t view him as a leader during the latest episode of the Boardroom.

“I’m not as charismatic as my peers. I don’t have a personality that’s fit for TV like my peers,” Durant explained. “… You’ve got to sell what you’re doing as well, and I haven’t sold it enough. I don’t feel like I need to. I don’t feel like I want people to call me a leader, but I also don’t want people to say I’m not one either.”

Durant explained his belief that critics don’t see how he handles himself behind closed doors with his teammates and support staff. He also cited a lack of awareness on the topic, paired with some media members wanting to “push a narrative.”

It’s interesting insight from Durant, who has been under the media microscope for more than 15 years. He’s right about the criticism, too. During truTV’s alternate broadcast of the 2024 NBA All-Star Game, TNT analyst and Hall of Famer Charles Barkley called out Durant’s leadership ability.

“I really want it to be KD, but he’s not doing it. To me, it’s gotta be [Devin] Booker. He’s got to be a mental leader and a vocal leader to a certain degree,” Barkley said while discussing whom should be the Suns’ vocal leader. “No disrespect to Kevin, but Kevin’s a follower. He’s not a leader. He’s proven that on all his stops.”