Dennis Schröder calls Kevin Durant ‘weak’ for viral post after Olympic win

The 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris not only showcased the intense competition on the basketball court, but also sparked a war of words between two of the game’s brightest stars. Germany’s Dennis Schröder, who captained his national team, found himself in the spotlight for more than just his performance after he called out NBA superstar Kevin Durant for what he saw as a subtle insult following the United States’ gold medal win.

Team USA secured their gold medal in a hard-fought victory over Germany, a game that cemented their dominance in international basketball. Following the victory, Kevin Durant celebrated on social media, sharing a photo of the United States celebrating the gold medal with the caption: “ENTERTAINMENT & IQ.”

The viral post appeared to be a standard celebration message, but to those familiar with Schröder’s previous comments, it was clear that Durant was responding to the German.

Dennis Schröder says Kevin Durant hitting back at him for criticism ‘tells me how weak he is as a person’

Full details here: https://t.co/YM0IXQjKy5 photo.twitter.com/47QHFJD6mS

— Complex Sports (@ComplexSports) August 19, 2024

Earlier in the Olympics, Schröder had discussed the differences he saw between European and American basketball. He highlighted what he saw as the contrasting approaches, describing European basketball as “straight IQ basketball” and American basketball as more focused on “entertainment.” Schröder’s comments were part of a broader discussion about the evolution of the game and the different philosophies between continents.

Schröder did not appreciate Durant’s message. During a Twitch stream, the Brooklyn Nets guard addressed the situation directly, calling Durant “weak” for what he saw as a pointed and unnecessary response. “You’re that type of star and you have to say something to someone like me who didn’t even mean it negatively,” Schröder said.

“It was just what I see from both sides, you know what I mean? I didn’t appreciate it. I don’t care, but at the end of the day, that tweet, or whatever he posted, was because of me. To me, it was never negative. I respect all those guys, all GOATs, but when I say that, it tells you how weak he is as a person,” he continued.

His frustration stemmed from the belief that his comments, which were intended as a reflection on different playing styles, were being taken out of context and used against him in public.

The German international’s words reignited the controversial and ongoing debate between the European and American basketball teams

Schröder’s comments were not just an isolated opinion, but part of a long-running debate within the basketball community. The argument revolves around perceived differences in how the game is taught and played in different countries. European players are often praised for their high basketball IQ, developed through systems that emphasize that IQ and team play from an early age. In contrast, the American approach, particularly in the youth basketball circuit, is sometimes criticized for prioritizing individual talent and entertainment over overall skill development.

This debate is not new. In 2015, Los Angeles Lakers legend Kobe Bryant, who spent part of his youth in Italy, noted that “European players are just much more skilled” and “learned the game the right way at a young age.” Bryant pointed to AAU basketball in the United States as a root cause, arguing that it does not teach young players how to play all-around basketball. Similarly, LeBron James has expressed concerns about the youth basketball structure in the U.S., criticizing the way some coaches prioritize their own success over the development of their players.

For Kevin Durant, his viral post was a legitimate reaction to Team USA’s victory. In competitive sports, the winners often have the last word, and trash talk is par for the course. Durant’s post was likely intended to reaffirm Team USA’s dominance and perhaps remind Schröder of the scoreboard, a common practice among athletes at the height of their powers.

For Schröder, the experience will likely serve as motivation as he prepares for the upcoming NBA season. His comments and the reactions they provoked underscore the pride and passion that international competition brings out in players. For Durant, his message and Schröder’s reaction are unlikely to change his approach. As one of the best in the game, Durant’s focus remains on winning, whether that’s on the court or in the battle of words.

As the NBA season approaches, only time will tell if that tension will continue into their next meeting.