Stephen A. Smith Backs Kevin Durant’s Claim NBA Is ‘Whitening’ the Game

Kevin Durant believes that the recent criticism of AAU and other American grassroots developmental programs are baseless, as he is a product of it.

Stephen A. Smith Backs Kevin Durant’s Claim NBA Is ‘Whitening’ the Game

Kevin Durant finds support from Stephen A. Smith (Image via FirstSportz)

In Short
  • Kevin Durant criticized the NBA for promoting white players at the expense of Black American athletes.
  • Stephen A. Smith supported Durant's claims, arguing that the NBA's globalization efforts are undermining Black players.
  • Both emphasized the importance of AAU basketball in developing talent, countering criticisms of the American system.

The last time Kevin Durant spoke with the media, he talked about his interest in playing for Team USA at the upcoming Los Angeles Olympics in 2028. In the same press conference, he highlighted something alarming about the NBA.

The ‘Slim Reaper’ slammed those criticizing American developmental standards, especially when compared to what European and other international players go through.

He felt this was a deliberate attempt at undermining Black American athletes, who have effectively built the league. Instead, the NBA is promoting the influx of White players, something Stephen A. Smith agrees with.

David Stern to Adam Silver, these men have supported these brothers, but America hasn’t always done so… Globalizing your brand is Whitening the sport too…Because you didn’t have enough White American players to excel on a level that could make the sport more profitable, and you had to rely on the brothers.

Stephen A. Smith said on First Take

The ESPN analyst believes that Kevin Durant was right to speak about this, as the way Adam Silver and his staff have dumbed the game, it has become easier for the ‘White’s’ to dominate.

Smith believes this was a blatant attempt at improving the popularity of the sport. However, the NBA probably felt that having White athletes going toe-to-toe with the Blacks would be the best way to attract fans across continents.

Stephen A. Smith believes Kevin Durant should be applauded for pointing out NBA’s intentions

While speaking on this topic on First Take, Stephen A. Smith, who has not had the best of relationships with Kevin Durant, decided to use logic to support the Houston Rockets superstar.

If there were a bunch of Cooper Flagg’s running around, we wouldn’t be having this conversation. But they are rarities… Dirk Nowitzki is from Germany, I’m talking about White American born. That’s a rarity in terms of superstar status in the USA for the sport of basketball… KD should be applauded for his bravery and his honesty with this particular subject.

Stephen A. Smith said

The 58-year-old’s words indicate that the NBA’s blatant attempt is evident, as it is not as if there are several standout White athletes to talk about.

Instead, in their efforts to globalize the game, Adam Silver managed to get White Europeans to come in and dominate with ease. Now, with many criticizing the grassroots development in the States, Smith lauded Durant for pointing out the league’s hypocrisy.

At the same time, the longtime analyst also pointed out that the NBA used Black Americans to build the league, and is now moving to a situation where they are criticizing their ways, just so that they can bring in more fans.

Kevin Durant backs AAU amid criticism

Most of the criticisms have been leveled at the AAU developmental circuit and how homegrown players are either being too casual after earning a lot of money through NIL deals. But Kevin Durant feels that is not justified.

Kevin Durant supporting AAU basketball, here with future Iowa stars Caitlin Clark and Kylie Feuerbach
Kevin Durant supporting AAU basketball, here with future Iowa stars Caitlin Clark and Kylie Feuerbach (Image via Duke Lombardi/X)

The culture of AAU is still producing a lot of great players… A lot of us are products of AAU. It changed our lives… I kind of hate when they disrespect the AAU route.

Kevin Durant said to reporters

The 16-time All-Star reiterated that he was in no way disrespecting what the Europeans have done or had to deal with coming to the NBA. At the same time, he does not appreciate the criticism AAU is getting.

Durant reminded critics that many standout players, including himself, are products of the system, and that alone is proof that it is a sound method to develop players to become professionals.

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