Jan 5, 2022; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Brooklyn Nets forward Kevin Durant (7) talks to the media after the game against the Indiana Pacers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images

Charles Barkley Made His Feelings Clear About NBA Star Kevin Durant

Originally posted on Fastbreak on SI | By Ben Stinar | Last updated Jun 11, 2025 1:05 AM ET

Kevin Durant is one of the best 25 players in NBA history.

That said, the Phoenix Suns superstar has found himself facing a lot of scrutiny from fans and media following his decision to leave the Oklahoma City Thunder in 2016.

One person who has been critical of Durant is Basketball Hall of Famer (and Suns legend) Charles Barkley.

Back in 2023, Barkley clarified his feelings on Durant (via ALL THE SMOKE).

Barkley: "He's always been cordial to me. I'm alway gonna be cordial to him. He's taken some shots at me... KD is a great, great player... He's sensitive, 100% sensitive, but what I said and I stick by... He's gonna have to win a championship without the Warriors to get the old heads respect... Kobe Bryant said, hey, I had to win a championship without SHAQ."