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NBA Champion and now new Houston Rockets player, Kevin Durant (left) and former NFL player Emmanuel Acho (right). Photo credits: Imagn

'Worst Linebacker Of All Time': Kevin Durant Claps Back At Emmanuel Acho After Downplaying His NBA Legacy

Originally posted on Hardwood Heroics | By Dan Agulto | Last updated Jun 24, 2025 12:12 PM ET

The “Worst linebacker of all time”.

That was the flashy clapback response coming from 2-time NBA Champion and now new Houston Rockets player, Kevin Durant, as he paid back the shade thrown at him by former NFL player Emmanuel Acho.

In a recent turn of events, Kevin Durant was traded to Houston Rockets following a championship ring-less performance with the Phoenix Suns. The two-time Finals MVP was looking to drop another MVP performance through a fresh start with a new team over 1,100 miles away.

This led to a social media post by Fox Sports 1 analyst Emmanuel Acho. Stating that “Now KD, two championships but he’s been on five teams at this junction in time,” Acho added. “Your legacy is dependent upon how many championships you win and how many teams did you have to play for to do it.”

This was in reference to the fact that Kevin Durant, despite the quality he brings to any team he plays with, took several team moves to get his two championships. Following Acho’s formula where “Championships won ÷ Teams played for = Player legacy”

In this formula, when comparing Kevin Durant to the likes of Steph Curry and Lebron James, he would come out dead last.

Phoenix Suns Star Kevin Durant Threw Shade at Tanking NBA Teams 5 Dec 31, 2024; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant (35) points to his teammate after he makes a three pointer during the second quarter of the game against the Memphis Grizzlies at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Aryanna Frank-Imagn Images

Kevin Durant retaliated by using the same formula against Acho, which would have placed him really low due to a lack of football championships or accolades during his time with the NFL.

“According to The Great Kevin Durant’s legacy formula that was created in the best labs at MIT, Emmanuel is the worst linebacker of all time. You sure you wanna listen to this guy about greatness?” Kevin Durant replied.

While it remains to be seen if there is another ring in store for KD, it’s is certain that he has the fire burning with his hot-off-the-grill responses.

Kevin Durant Seeks to Build a Legacy with Houston Rockets

In a 2-for-1 swap deal, Kevin Durant for Jalen Green and Dillon Brooks, the former Phoenix Suns forward still has plenty of things to prove.

NBA Trade Rumors: Kevin Durant Talks Opened Up By Suns-Rockets, Forward To Leave Phoenix In 21 Days 8 Mar 28, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant (35) brings the ball up as Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards (5) defends him in the fourth quarter at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-Imagn Images

With Kevin Durant’s performance with the Phoenix Suns in the 2024-25 season, we saw him averaging 26.6 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game, with a field goal percentage of 52.7%.

Despite his individual success and initial team impact, the Suns did not get any championships. They racked up just 6 postseason games and have not gotten near the finals. With those numbers behind him, Kevin Durant wants to rewrite the books.

This article first appeared on Hardwood Heroics and was syndicated with permission.

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