“Y’all just be hating on a god … Like I ain’t did s**t before I went to Golden State” - Kevin Durant tells his critics to go do some research, says he’s treated like a 6-year veteran
Kevin Durant has hit out at critics slated him for not winning a championship since leaving the Golden State Warriors. The topic gained traction after the Warriors won the 2022 NBA title, their first since Durant left in 2019.
NBA Hall of Famer Charles Barkley was among those who questioned Durant's leadership skills. He stated that Durant has not earned the respect of the "old heads," and that he needs to win a title as the leader of a team.
Barkley's comments earned a rebuke from Durant, following which Shaquille O'Neal chimed in, stating that the two-time Finals MVP took the easy route to a title by joining the Warriors.
Chuck's comments prompted a reply from KD, who lashed out at the TNT analyst. However, Shaquille O'Neal was on Barkley's side, saying KD took the easy way to his championships.
However, Durant was already a superstar long before he joined the Warriors. Against that background, Durant attempted to address his critics. On "The ETCs with KD," he said that he is being spoken about as if he is a six-year veteran.
"That's why I be feeling like y'all just be hating on a god. What have I done for you to want to discredit everything? I put in a lot of work for this game. I been at it for 15, 16 years. You'll think I'm a six-year veteran in the league the way people talk about me. Like I ain't did s**t before I went to Golden State.
"I know a lot of y'all ain't watch OKC games unless they was prime time, but like, go do your research, fam," he continued. "I been this, like I've been at this level. I had shoes, I had MVPs before I met these guys. And we did something special together, but don't try to take away from what I've done, bro."
Kevin Durant won the championship in 2017 and 2018
Kevin Durant was incredible with the Oklahoma City Thunder, but failed to win the title. The 2016 playoffs were especially disappointing as they squandered a 3-1 lead against the Warriors in the Western Conference finals.
His decision bore fruit, as he won a title in his first year with the team. Durant helped the Warriors exact revenge on LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers following their loss in the 2016 Finals. Durant was named Finals MVP for his contributions.
Kevin Durant acknowledges the cheers of the crowd lined along Broadway during Golden State @Warriors #NBA Championship parade in #Oakland, CA on Tuesday, June12, 2018. @KDTrey5 @sfgate Photo by @ScottStrazzante https://t.co/sKbacyvfEt
It was more of the same in 2018, as the Warriors swept the Cavs in the finals. Once again, Durant was named Finals MVP.
Since leaving the Warriors in 2019, Kevin Durant has failed to hit the same heights. He has only managed to win one series in the playoffs with the Nets and was swept by the Celtics in the first round this year.