Kevin Durant shares his perspective on leadership and Kyrie Irving situation: “I’m not about to tell a grown-a** man what he can and can’t do”
Brooklyn Nets superstar Kevin Durant addressed a lot of pressing issues during an incendiary interview with Bleacher Report's Chris Haynes, including the Kyrie Irving situation last season.
Durant is undoubtedly one of the best players to play the game. As a unique physical specimen and a generationally gifted offensive talent, the Nets forward commands respect in the NBA. After an impressive run with the OKC Thunder and two titles with the Golden State Warriors, Durant was expected to don the mantle of a leader in Brooklyn.
Joining Kyrie Irving to form the Nets' superstar duo, Durant had a lot of expectations on him. With Irving missing most of the season due to his COVID-19 vaccination stance, the Nets were severely shorthanded. However, Durant took a very indifferent stance on that, raising questions about his leadership.
In his interview with Haynes, Durant addressed his handling of the Irving-vaccine situation and his leadership credentials. Durant said:
"I’m not a leader? What the f**k does that mean? A lot of people say I’m not a leader because I didn’t tell Kyrie to get vaccinated. Come on. Or I didn’t condemn Kyrie for leaving the team, going out and living his life. I’m not about to tell a grown-ass man what he can and can't do with his own life and dissect his views or how he thinks about s**t."
Durant made it clear that his approach towards leadership doesn't involve vivid displays of the same. His frustration on the topic was also evident in his comments:
"I don't need to show or tell everybody what I'm doing with my teammates so y'all can pump me up and say, ‘Yeah, KD, you’re the boss, you’re the leader.’ These other (expletives) need that. I don’t."
KD shares his perspective on "leadership" and Kyrie Irving 👀
(via: @ChrisBHaynes) https://t.co/RA0b8gQZw5
Kevin Durant's comments have given rise to trade rumors
Kevin Durant's comments can be taken out of context. However, he has said that he's having a good time with the Brooklyn Nets.
Coming off a blowout loss against the Sacramento Kings, though, the Nets have some serious concerns to address. With Irving still out of the rotation, Durant's increased workload may be a cause for concern.
In light of his recent comments, Kevin Durant has become a pivotal figure in trade rumors. He was one of the biggest names available on the trade market during the offseason. He recently explained why he requested a trade, as he was frustrated with the Nets' coaching and how it affected his image.
However, in light of coach Steve Nash's dismissal and Jacque Vaughn's arrival, the Nets appear to be a different unit. Unfortunately, trade rumors about Durant continue unabated. With the Phoenix Suns emerging as frontrunners, the Nets may have another headache to deal with.