"KD's a walking contradiction": Kevin Durant's statements about Steve Nash, leadership questioned by Shannon Sharpe
Kevin Durant and the Brooklyn Nets are trying to put the distractions behind them and focus on the season. So far, it's been more difficult than expected. After Tuesday night's 153-121 blowout loss to the Sacramento Kings, Brooklyn finds itself at 6-9.
The team started out by losing five of its first six games. Tensions throughout the organization were at an all-time high, with the team parting ways with coach Steve Nash on Nov. 1. Brooklyn also suspended its starting point guard, Kyrie Irving, who has missed seven games and counting.
Brooklyn started to show signs of life by winning four of five games. But it hasn't been enough to get over the hump. Coming off two consecutive losses, Durant was interviewed by Bleacher Report's Chris Haynes. Durant stressed that he was happy with the organization, but didn't believe he needed to be a "leader" to prove his worth.
That got the attention of analyst Shannon Sharpe. On "Undisputed," Sharpe questioned Durant's comments. The superstar forward has said that he "doesn't want to be a leader" going back to 2017, as Sharpe mentioned.
"He's telling you he doesn't want to be a leader," Sharpe said. "He's a walking contradiction. And then turns around and says, 'Well, I don't have to tell you that I'm a leader or show you that I'm a leader.'"
"KD’s a walking contradiction."
@ShannonSharpe on KD questioning Steve Nash, starting lineup and critics of his leadership https://t.co/ecB6oI7BcQ
Kevin Durant and the Brooklyn Nets hoping to generate momentum in Eastern Conference standings
It's been a nightmare start to the season for the Brooklyn Nets. The team faces the Western Conference-leading Portland Trail Blazers (10-4) on Thursday before returning home for a Sunday game. In Sunday's matchup, they will take on a tough Memphis Grizzlies squad (9-6) that has been impressive.
The Brooklyn Nets remain in limbo. Questions surround the direction of the organization, especially in regards to suspended point guard Kyrie Irving. While Irving is set to be available to return to the team this Sunday, there's still been no announcement that he will.
Brooklyn found itself at 2-6 before it started to build some confidence. The team won four of their next five games. Since then, the Nets have lost two. First, they fell 116-103 to the struggling LA Lakers on Sunday. And then they got drilled 153-121 by the surprising Sacramento Kings.
Kevin Durant showed again he’s the best in the world last night 🌟 https://t.co/3YVj6TI43K
The bright spot for the Nets so far has been the play of their superstar forward. Kevin Durant is averaging 30.3 points, 6.5 rebounds and 5.3 assists per game while shooting 52.4%. He's been especially impressive in his last four games, averaging 28.5 ppg, 7.8 rpg, 7.0 apg and 1.8 blocks per game. In that span, he's shooting 54.5%, including 42.9% from 3-point range.
Things won't get any easier for the Nets, who are in 12th place in the Eastern Conference standings, after their next two games. From there, they will hit the road for matchups against the Philadelphia 76ers (7-7), Toronto Raptors (9-7) and Indiana Pacers (7-6).