As athletes who play a sport watched by millions around the world, NBA players are no strangers to criticism, whether they are made by strangers online or by fellow players. Some even welcome criticism at times as they look to improve and become better versions of themselves.
However, for Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James and Brooklyn Nets star Kevin Durant, there’s a difference between constructive criticism and just hate, especially when it comes to the way former NBA players comment on today’s stars:
"There’s a difference between constructive criticism and soft hating… You can hear it in their delivery."
"Them old heads need to go enjoy retirement. These boys have coaches they work with everyday lol."
LeBron James & Kevin Durant react to Shaq's Donovan Mitchell comments. pic.twitter.com/osVrkyxciu
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPointsApp) January 22, 2021
In an Instagram post, the user @CuffsTheLegend asked why young NBA players are sensitive to constructive criticism made by older players, questioning why the level of respect has changed. James and Durant took the time to comment on the post, with Durant telling the older players to just enjoy retirement while saying that today’s players already work with the coaching staff of their respective teams.
James, meanwhile, made it clear that there is a difference between a player offering constructive criticism and simply hating, adding that he has mostly received the hate. The four-time champion revealed that he noticed that he could always tell the difference in the way the criticism is delivered.
Former players have recently been more vocal in criticizing today’s players, such as when Shaquille O’Neal and Charles Barkley offered their takes on James Harden’s departure from the Houston Rockets. On Thursday night's edition of TNT's “Inside the NBA,” Shaq made a blunt comment about Utah Jazz guard Donovan Mitchell not being able to reach the next level, which Mitchell shrugged off with a pointed reply.
This IG conversation involving LeBron and KD was clearly in reference to that viral moment, and they don't seem to be too happy about these “old heads” criticizing the NBA's current stars.
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