Anthony Edwards rips ‘Bulls–t’ narrative that Suns’ Kevin Durant is bad leader | News, results, highlights, stats and rumours

Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards summed up the narrative that Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant is a bad leader in one word.

“I think it’s bulls–t,” Edwards told me Melissa Rohlin from Fox Sports. He added:

“All he cares about is basketball, so that’s leadership right there. If your best player only cares about basketball, that’s a way to lead. I think people see leadership as just being vocal. I think there are more ways to be a leader. He’s definitely a great leader.”

Continuing his train of thought, Edwards referenced their time together on Team USA this summer en route to an Olympic gold medal.

“He was a leader for me in the States because it was my first time doing it and I wasn’t used to it. I definitely went under his wing and just followed everything he did. He’s dope to me. doesn’t care what anyone says about him.”

Edwards’ love for KD is well documented.

Durant has previously answered “Ant” when asked who in the NBA brings out the best in him. When Edwards heard it, he had this to say about KD.

“It’s like my big brother, man,” Edwards told Rohlin. “I love KD. He’s my favorite player of all time, so I definitely appreciate that.”

Needless to say, it’s clear how Edwards feels about Durant.

ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith offered criticism of Durant’s leadership, and he used it last October during a First Take episode.

Durant took to X to disagree.

Charles Barkley also called Durant a “follower” during last year’s All-Star Game ALTCAST regarding who the Suns’ leader was at the time (h/t) New York Basketball).

“I really wanted it to be KD, but he doesn’t,” Barkley said. “For me it has to be Booker… No disrespect to Kevin. Kevin is a follower. He’s not a leader. He’s proven that at all his stops…”

During a November 2017 interview with GQs Zach BaronDurant talked a lot about leadership. At the time, he was a year into his tenure with the Golden State Warriors, who have been led by Stephen Curry for more than a decade now. KD talked about how he likes to lead by example.

“Steph Curry is the face of the franchise and that helps me because I don’t have to. I don’t want to be the leader. I’m not a leader. I’m bad at saying, ‘Get behind me and follow me.’ No. I’m one of those guys who just says, “Let’s all just work together. I don’t mind being on the front lines with you, but let’s come and do it together.” That’s my way of leading, I lead by example.”

So Durant pretty much answered the question about his leadership style seven years ago. Maybe people don’t agree with that, as it’s not as obvious as some might like, but that’s how it is.

Regardless, Suns head coach Mike Budenholzer is a fan of Durant’s leadership, calling it “off-the-charts” on Nov. 1, per Duane Rankin of azcentral.

And KD also has one of the NBA’s top superstars in Edwards on his side.

This season, Durant has done a great job of leading by example, averaging 25.7 points, 6.5 rebounds and 3.7 assists for the sixth-ranked Suns. Phoenix in particular has gone 13-2 with him in the lineup and just 1-9 without him when KD sat 10 games due to injury.

However, he has been back for two games now, averaging 25.0 PPG in a pair of wins. The Indiana Pacers are next at home on Thursday.