“He can’t take the pain, he can’t get scarred, if you get involved, he’ll leave your team in ruins” - Shannon Sharpe says Kevin Durant runs away when things get hard
Kevin Durant is one of the greatest players in NBA history. But as great as he is, he hasn't been reliable when considering a team's long-term plans.
According to analyst Shannon Sharpe, Durant can't be trusted when push comes to shove.
"I'm surprised, but I started thinking and realized KD's a runner. He's a track star. He's going to run away when it gets hard. He can’t take the pain, he can’t get scarred, if you get involved, he’ll leave your team in ruins."
Durant recently requested a trade from the Brooklyn Nets despite having four years left on his contract. He had previously left the Golden State Warriors after winning two titles in three years.
.@ShannonSharpe reacts to Kevin Durant requesting a trade from Brooklyn:
"I'm surprised, but I started thinking and realized KD's a runner, he's a track star, he's going to run away when it gets hard. I'm so disappointed in KD. This KD/LeBron comparison, we can put it to bed." https://t.co/0lZ7nSJVMe
Sharpe pointed out that Brooklyn had listened to all of Durant's requests by bringing in top talent, but that still wasn't enough to convince the two-time NBA champion to remain with the team.
"Everything that's there is because of Kevin Durant. The head coach is because of Kevin Durant, Kyrie, James Harden, LaMarcus Aldridge, Patty Mills, Blake Griffin, everybody was there because of Kevin Durant."
Durant has also been criticized for wanting to join the Phoenix Suns and the Miami Heat. Phoenix and Miami topped their respective conferences last season.
LeBron James and Kevin Durant are completely different
Shannon Sharpe also brought up LeBron James during his rant about Durant. He believes that Durant-James comparison should be put to bed.
James has been criticized throughout his career for switching teams and wanting to be surrounded by top talent. But unlike Durant, the Los Angeles Lakers forward has never requested to be traded to another team and has always fulfilled his contract.
James has played 19 seasons in the NBA. He's represented four different teams, all of whom he joined via free agency.
There is no doubt that Durant can transform any NBA team he joins into serious contenders. He has not, however, proven to be a reliable long-term option.