Stephen A. Smith Torches Dennis Schroder for Calling Kevin Durant 'Weak'

Phoenix Suns star Kevin Durant and Brooklyn Nets guard Dennis Schroder have found themselves in a public spat following the Paris Olympics.

The tension began when Schroder praised European basketball for its emphasis on basketball IQ as opposed to the entertainment-focused style of basketball in the United States.

After winning the gold medal in Paris, Durant posted a celebratory photo of Team USA on X with the caption, "ENTERTAINMENT & IQ." It was widely viewed as a subtle jab at Schroder.

In response, the German playmaker called Durant "weak" during a Twitch stream. Schroder also chastised KD for feeling the need to respond to his observations.

On ESPN's First Take on Tuesday, host Stephen A. Smith didn't hold back on Schroder for clapping back at Durant.

"You attack this man, talking about he's weak, how dare you say something like that about Kevin Durant?," said Smith. "Kevin Durant doesn't deserve that.

He furthered that the two-time Finals MVP was only "making a point" that they both have basketball IQ and entertainment.

"He's qualified to say that because he's the most celebrated Olympian in history in the sport of basketball," Smith added. "More so than LeBron James, more so than Steph Curry, more so than Carmelo Anthony.

"Certainly, more so than Dennis Schroder."

Durant won a record fourth Olympic gold medal, the most by any player, after helping Team USA beat France in the final.

Germany, meanwhile, finished in fourth place. Schroder, however, led Germany to the FIBA World Cup title in 2023 after beating Serbia in the championship round. He was named tournament MVP in the process.

While Smith acknowledged that Schroder is a good player and wished that he was still with the Los Angeles Lakers, the outspoken TV personality said his stature is nowhere near Durant's.

"Dennis Schroder, you can't shine Kevin Durant's shoes!," Smith said. "You can't do it. You're just not that guy."

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