Royce O'Neale Says Kevin Durant Has Been A Leader On Every Team In His Career

Kevin Durant has been in the news recently with media analysts like Charles Barkley criticizing his leadership qualities. One of KD's teammates on the Nets and now the Suns, Royce O'Neale has stuck up and defended Durant, claiming he's been a leader at every spot of his career.

"I mean, it’s a little weird. They act like he wasn’t a leader like OKC coming up with that team, and in Golden State being one of those guys. Leaving, being in Brooklyn, and then now. So it’s surprising but I mean what do they want him to do? Yell at everybody? Be a tough guy, hard on everybody? He shows his leadership in different ways. Taking accountability, holding guys accountable, and showing up every day."

O'Neale elaborated on his experience of playing alongside Durant on the Nets last season and highlighted his positive qualities.

"Playing with Kevin last year, I’ve seen a lot. His work ethic, leadership, and how he prepares every day. Unselfish. He’s one of the greatest scorers in the league, but people take his passing ability for granted." 

Durant is averaging 28.0 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 5.6 assists this season. While he has been playing at a top level, the Suns haven't been able to solidify their status in the West. They're in a wicked battle for the No. 5 and No. 6 seeds, with the Pelicans, Mavericks, and Kings also coming to take one of those two seeds to avoid the Play-In Tournament. 

If Durant wants to be remembered as a leader, there'll be a lot of expectations on him to take the Suns on a championship run as their primary option. Given how potent Phoenix has been when everyone is healthy, it's a possibility. But with Bradley Beal out injured and the Suns having the hardest remaining schedule, it's going to be a tall task

Kevin Durant Explained Why The Media Doesn't View Him As A Leader

Durant is one of the three defining faces of this generation of basketball but has a negative rap amongst analysts for various reasons. His play on the court is unquestioned, but he's repeatedly been criticized for not being a leader. He recently explained why the media doesn't view him as a leader.

"I'm not as charismatic as my peers. I don't have a personality that's like fit for TV. And a lot of those stories of what we talk about don't get spoken about in the media. You got to sell what you're doing as well. And I haven't sold it enough."

Durant earlier in his career had shrugged off the responsibilities of being a vocal leader, choosing to lead by example. However, moves like leaving the OKC Thunder for the 73-9 Warriors will always be held against him. Not leading OKC to overcome the Warriors' hurdle and joining them instead hurt his reputation in ways he's still trying to fight.

He is criticized for the Brooklyn Nets' failure, as he couldn't keep the locker room harmonious alongside Kyrie Irving and James Harden. Durant was the most consistent of the lot, often trying to carry the team alone for which he hasn't gotten much credit. 

Nonetheless, he can break many negative leadership narratives against him this season if he leads the Suns and brings home their first championship in history.