Kevin Durant knows exactly how good he is at the game of basketball. He knows that he is one of the greatest basketball players of not only his generation but all generations. He knows that there's not a player on the planet that he can't get his shot off against. He knows that every time he steps onto a basketball court there is a 99% chance that he is the best player on that court. He doesn't need any journalist, commentator, fan, etc. to tell him these things. He doesn't need validation from anyone because he knows how great he is and he's comfortable with who he is.
So, when he claps back at media and fans that criticize his game or attempt to diminish his accomplishments or legacy it's not because he feels like he has to defend himself. It's because he WANTS to defend himself and his accomplishments. And he has every right to want to do so. More athletes should be like Kevin Durant and speak what's on their mind when they have the resume to back it up like he does. Why should they have to sit back and remain silent when others try to tear them down. Kevin Durant is a 2-time NBA Champion and a 2-time NBA Finals MVP, and NOTHING will ever change that. There's nothing Charles Barkley or any other talking head can ever say to take that away from him. So, why wouldn't he want to defend himself and those accomplishments? #icouldbewrong, but I think athletes should be more engaged with those that critique them for a living and fans that critique them as well. Just because they make more money than the average Joe, doesn't mean they should have to keep quiet. The media and fans like to point out to players that criticism is a part of the deal when you're a professional athlete. I think what players should do is flip the script and show fans and the media that it's a two way street. Let's level the playing field and make it known that they shouldn't put their opinions out there if they don't want athletes to respond.
Lastly, the players aren't paid to just play the game. They're also paid to entertain and KD has just found a new way to do so.
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