KD’s Legacy: Social Media Hurts More Than Hoops

KD’s Scoring Prowess Overlooked? Experts Debate Legacy

Kevin Durant recently dropped 27 points against the Miami Heat, climbing to fifth all-time in NBA scoring and passing Michael Jordan. Despite this incredible achievement, a debate is raging: are we underappreciating one of basketball’s greatest scorers?

Stephen A. Smith believes we are, but points the finger squarely at Durant himself.

“It’s his fault. It’s not our fault,” Smith declared on First Take.

He argued that true superstars like Magic Johnson, Larry Bird, Michael Jordan, and Kobe Bryant understood the importance of their overall persona. Their marketability, charisma, and how they carried themselves off the court amplified their greatness and boosted the NBA’s popularity.

Beyond the Box Score

Smith emphasized that judgment in sports isn’t solely based on stats. “It’s not just your abilities that you get judged upon, unfortunately. It’s the level of attention you draw because of who you are and how you comport yourself along the way.” He feels Durant, while magnificent and a top scorer and player, has never embraced this broader aspect of superstardom.

Jay Williams, however, sees Durant differently. He suggested the term “misunderstood” might be more fitting than “underappreciated.” Williams believes Durant is appreciated for his incredible basketball skills, but his social media activity and perhaps some questionable career decisions have created distractions.

Social Media Stir and Missed Opportunities

“I think social media has ran him out of places,” Williams stated, suggesting it has hindered his narrative. He pointed out that players like LeBron James and Stephen Curry have different levels of public engagement and perhaps different career paths that lead to more widespread appreciation.

Smith brought up a hypothetical scenario: what if Durant had won a championship with the Brooklyn Nets? He believes winning a title there, especially after a dramatic playoff series like the one against Milwaukee, would have dramatically altered how Durant is viewed in basketball history. “If that had happened and Kevin Durant had won a championship, we wouldn’t be asking this question,” Smith asserted.

Who Gets More Love?

Smith listed LeBron James, Steph Curry, and even Giannis Antetokounmpo as players who receive more public adoration than Durant. He feels Giannis’s warrior mentality and aggressive approach contribute to his narrative, while players like Jalen Brunson gain traction by joining high-profile franchises like the New York Knicks.

Williams countered that Durant’s own choices, like leaving the Golden State Warriors, play a significant role. He questioned if the conversation about Steph Curry would be the same if Durant had stayed. “You never go off and do anything on your own.

That’s true. You could be the guy, but at some point like you need other guys to step up,” Williams added.

The Missing ‘It’ Factor

Smith remained firm that while Durant’s game is undeniable – “one of the all-time greats,” “top five scorers,” “most skilled players” – something is missing from his overall legacy. He described it as an “it factor” that draws people in, similar to what marquee stars like LeBron and Steph possess.

“Those other elements that that has you gravitating to the headlines, the marquee, a LeBron, a Steph and others, that has not been Kevin Durant. Period,” Smith concluded. This lack of broader public engagement, he feels, impacts how Durant is discussed beyond just his on-court performance.

A Different Path

The conversation touched on Durant’s moves to different teams, with Williams noting that this “ring chasing” narrative doesn’t follow players like Giannis or Steph. Smith agreed, suggesting that staying with the Warriors and continuing to win would have cemented Durant’s place in historical conversations more firmly.

The debate highlights how a player’s on-court brilliance, while paramount, can be overshadowed or amplified by their public image and career choices. For Durant, the discussion continues about whether his incredible scoring and skill will ultimately be remembered as vividly as his social media interactions and team changes.

Catch First Take weekdays on ESPN at 10:00 a.m. Eastern.

Source: Jay Williams on how Kevin Durant's social media presence impacts his legacy | FT YouTube Exclusive (YouTube)