Dennis Schröder Calls Kevin Durant ‘Weak’ in Viral Post After Olympics Win

The 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris not only featured intense competition on the basketball court but also fueled a war of words between two notable stars of the game. Germany’s Dennis Schröder, who captained his national team, found himself under more scrutiny than his performance after calling out NBA star Kevin Durant in what he saw as a subtle diss following the United States’ gold medal win.

Team USA earned its gold medal in a hard-fought victory over Germany, a game that cemented its dominance in international basketball. After the win, Kevin Durant took to social media to celebrate, sharing a photo of the United States’ gold medal ceremony with the caption, “ENTERTAINMENT & IQ.”

The post, which has gone viral, appeared to be a typical celebratory message, but for those familiar with Schröder’s previous comments, it was clear that Durant was responding in German.

Dennis Schröder Says Kevin Durant’s Criticism ‘Tells Me How Weak You Are’

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

Schröder did not take kindly to Durant’s post. During a Twitch stream, the Brooklyn Nets guard addressed the situation directly, calling Durant “weak” for what he saw as a direct and unnecessary response. “He’s that kind of star, and you have to say something to someone like me that he didn’t mean and that it’s not right,” Schröder said.

“This is what I see from both sides, you know what I’m saying? I didn’t appreciate it. I don’t care, but in the end, that tweet, and whatever he sent, was for me. For me, it’s never been a bad thing. I respect all those guys, all the goats, but saying that tells me how weak you are as a person,” he continued.

His frustration stemmed from the belief that his comments, which were meant to reflect different styles of play, had been taken out of context and used against him in society.

The German international player’s words have reignited the controversial and endless debate between European and American Basketball.

Schröder’s comments were not just an isolated opinion but part of a long-running debate within the basketball community. The debate centers on 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 programs that emphasize IQ and team play from an early age. In contrast, the American approach, especially on the youth basketball circuit, is sometimes criticized for prioritizing individual talent and fun over overall skill development.

This debate is not new. In 2015, Los Angeles Lakers legend Kobe Bryant, who spent part of his childhood in Italy, famously remarked that “European players are very talented” and “teach the game the right way at a young age.” Bryant pointed to AAU basketball in the United States as the cause, saying that it fails to teach young players how to play basketball all around. Similarly, LeBron James expressed concern about the structure of youth basketball in the US, criticizing the way some coaches prioritize their own success over the development of their players.

For Kevin Durant, his viral post was a justified response following Team USA’s victory. In the competitive world of sports, the winners often have the last word, and trash talk is part of the game. Durant’s post was intended to assert Team USA’s dominance and perhaps remind Schröder of the scoreboard, a common practice among athletes at the top of their game.

For Schröder, the experience may serve as motivation as he prepares for the upcoming NBA season. His comments, and their reactions, emphasize the pride and love that international competition brings to the players. For Durant, his post and Schröder’s response are unlikely to change his course of action. As one of the game’s biggest players, Durant’s focus remains on winning, whether it’s on the court or in a battle of words.

As the NBA season approaches, only time will tell if this tension will carry over into their next meeting.