“I’m not charismatic as my peers…” Kevin Durant responds to Charles Barkley and others slamming him for not being a leader

After getting called a follower by Charles Barkley, Kevin Durant responds in less than 24 hours.

“I’m not charismatic as my peers…” Kevin Durant responds to Charles Barkley and others slamming him for not being a leader

Kevin Durant responds to Charles Barkley calling him a follower (Image via The Spun/ Getty Images)

Kevin Durant was recently called out by Hall of Famer Charles Barkley during the All-Star game broadcast. While speaking about the Suns’ future, Barkley called Devin Booker the leader of the team and how he should step forward for the team. Saying that Barkley also said that he does consider Durant as a leader.

According to Barkley, he has never been a leader in any of his teams. He called Durant one hell of a player but when it comes to stepping forward as a leader for the Phoenix Suns, Booker would be Barkley’s choice. The star admitted that he admires Durant as a player despite his opinion on KD not being a leader. 

Kevin's a hell of a player; I ain't never gonna say anything bad about him....for me, for Phoenix to be successful, it has to be Booker.
Charles Barkley on Kevin Durant at the All-Star Game commentary
YouTube video

Durant in an episode of Boardroom with Eddie Gonzalez responded to the remarks of not being a leader. The Suns Forward explained that he is not as charismatic as his peers, he does not possess the personality that is required for Television and Entertainment. He further said that he does not want people to call him a leader but also does not want them to not consider him one:

I’m not as charismatic as my peers. I don’t have a personality that’s like, fit for TV.
Kevin Durant said

He further talked about things that happen behind the scenes where he builds up relationships with his teammates and staff members. According to him, people do not get to see that and that is the reason they make these assumptions. But for him, people don’t need to know his leadership that takes place off the camera.

Kevin Durant talks about LeBron James and praises his career

In the same episode of The Boardroom Durant talked about LeBron James‘ long 21-year-old career and called it a standard for other players. Winning championship is part of being great but playing on such a level for such a long time is also a big part of it.

Kevin Durant has high praise for LeBron James (image via Bleacher Report/Getty Images)

Durant also talked about what he could learn from James. The 39-year-old’s love for the game and the way he shows up and does what he enjoys is admirable. Besides the brand and everything that comes with fame, James’ enthusiasm towards the game makes him consistent.

Durant and James played together in Team West on Sunday for the 2024 NBA All-Star game. After the game, James also talked about him, Stephen Curry, and Kevin Durant playing these games for a long time and being true to the game.

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