Why Kevin Durant is encouraging more players to give back to fans online

Houston Rockets forward Kevin Durant believes that the players should accept social media interactions with fans — even when those exchanges get heated. The 37-year-old star recently shared his thoughts on The Pivot Podcast, explaining why he thinks responding directly to criticism helps grow the NBA’s popularity and strengthen the bond between players and fans.

“When you look at the bigger picture, I really believe that these people that I could think of sometimes enjoy these interactions,” Durant said. “That might get them to go buy more NBA tickets or buy a league pass, or subscribe more to our game. I feel like if we were all a little more authentic with these answers, all of our games would go up.”

Durant, who has long been known for his willingness to antagonize fans online, added that he sees the back-and-forth as a positive for the culture of the sport.

“It all helps the game in my opinion. It helps the relationship between the fans and the players in my opinion,” he said.

Kevin Durant says engaging fans directly adds authenticity and drives NBA growth

The two-time NBA champion and former MVP has built a reputation for his unfiltered approach on social media over the years. He has admitted in the past to using recording accounts to engage with fans and defend himself anonymously earlier in his career, but now primarily responds directly through his personal account.

Durant explained that he believes players’ interactions with fans — whether through humor, debate or criticism — add authenticity and entertainment value to the NBA. He said those interactions make the players more relatable and ultimately spark fan interest.

When co-host Channing Crowder asked why Durant felt the need to respond to criticism from random users online, the Rockets star said fans deserve to hear from him directly.

“And he needs to know. Seriously, if you’re wondering what I’m doing, why don’t you get it from the source if you’re that interested,” Durant said.

Durant’s transparency reflects a leadership approach in his debut season with the Rockets

Durant’s remarks reflect his longstanding philosophy about transparency and personal connections in professional sports. While many players choose to ignore online critics, Durant argues that responding — especially when it’s done honestly — keeps the basketball conversation alive and deepens the fan experience.

Now in his first season with Houston after being acquired in an emergency seven-team trade from the Phoenix SunsDurant continued to turn heads both with his performance and his outspokenness. In three games, he is averaging 26.3 points, six rebounds, 2.3 assists and 1.3 steals per game while shooting 50 percent from the field and 27.3 percent from three in 36.3 minutes per game.

The Rockets, who snapped a two-game skid with a A 137-109 win over the Brooklyn Nets on Monday night, improved to 1-2 on the young season. They will travel to Toronto for an international competition matchup against the Raptors (1-3) on Wednesday night at 6:30 p.m. ET.

Durant’s comments highlight his belief that the modern NBA thrives on authenticity and engagement — both on and off the court. For one of the game’s most successful veterans, sparking a conversation with fans online isn’t about controversy; it’s about connecting and continuing to grow the league’s reach in the digital era.