ESPN’s JJ Redick Makes Impassioned NSFW Plea to Kevin Durant’s Critics
Former NBA guard and current analyst JJ Redick clearly is tired of the Kevin Durant slander.
During the latest episode of Redick’s podcast, The Old Man and The Three, Redick was joined by Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker, and the criticism Durant receives came up in discussion. While the conversation ultimately proved to be less of a discussion and more of Redick’s unloading on Durant’s critics, the former sharpshooter didn’t pull any punches.
“I think whatever happens for the rest of Kevin Durant’s career, we’re going to look back in like 10 or 15 years and be like, ‘Why the f— did we spend all this time with all the bulls— discourse and not just appreciate literally one of the greatest basketball players to ever play this game?’” Redick stated.
Redick doubled down on his comments while admitting he expects major pushback for his strong opinion.
Fourteen-time All-Star Kevin Durant ranks ninth in NBA history with 28,544 points.
Rob Gray/USA TODAY Sports
“We’re going to keep this in the podcast, and there’ll be a million f—ing comments on YouTube about why I’m wrong and why he shouldn’t have left Oklahoma City, or blah blah. Who f—ing cares?” Redick continued. “He’s literally one of the greatest players ever, and we spend too much time on the bulls— instead of just appreciating his night-to-night greatness.”
Redick backed up his opinion with facts, highlighting that Durant has recorded 15 consecutive seasons with at least 25 points per game. That ranks behind only LeBron James, who holds the NBA record with 20 straight seasons.
Durant, 35, is averaging 28.5 points, 6.7 rebounds and 5.5 assists through 58 games this season. He’s also consistently shot over 50% from the field over the course of his career, checking in at 52.9% this season. If Durant finishes the season above the 50% mark, it’ll be the 11th consecutive season in which he’s made more than half of his shot attempts.
