Kevin Durant Reveals Twitter Engagement Stems From Competitive Drive,Rehabilitation “Edginess”
October 16,2023 – NBA star Kevin Durant explained his frequent and frequently enough direct engagement with criticism on Twitter,framing it as a necessary outlet for his competitive spirit,particularly during recovery from injury. The revelation came during a new season of the Netflix series Starting 5.
durant stated,”When I can’t get my little dose of dopamine on the pitch,I look for it on Twitter.” He further elaborated that many seeking his attention don’t truly desire it, prompting him to “put the spotlight on them, so they realize it’s not as great as they think it is.” He specifically noted heightened activity during rehabilitation periods, stating, “Especially when I’m in rehabilitation, I’m on edge.”
The forward described checking Twitter as part of his morning routine. “If I wake up at eight o’clock,open Twitter and see something too spicy,I respond directly. It’s like my morning coffee,” he confessed. He expressed frustration with unsolicited opinions from those without meaningful basketball experience, questioning, “Guys who have never run in their life, who have never played hard, want to explain to you how to play basketball. Honestly, you couldn’t even make your high school team, and you want to teach me lessons? Shut up.”
Durant views responding to criticism not as a distraction, but as fuel for his competitive fire. He offered an exmaple of his directness, responding to a Warriors fan who suggested Golden State was better without him with the statement: “They will never recover from this.”
He maintains that these online exchanges provide both entertainment and psychological relief, embracing a level of openness uncommon among NBA superstars.
