Stephen A. Smith has high praise for Kevin Durant and the Suns

Mar 1, 2023; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant (35) smiles as he is interviewed following the game against the Charlotte Hornets at Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Brian Westerholt-USA TODAY Sports

After the Phoenix Suns defeated the Charlotte Hornets in Kevin Durant’s debut, NBA analyst Stephen A. Smith was extremely impressed with what he saw.

Smith went so far as to say that KD is the “greatest player on the planet” when healthy.

"[The Suns] are going to be lethal, period. I think that when [Kevin Durant's] healthy, he's the greatest player on the planet."

👀 @stephenasmith pic.twitter.com/8stbs1XFAt

— First Take (@FirstTake) March 2, 2023

Other analysts across the league shared similar sentiments, including Colin Cowherd at The Herd.

Cowherd appreciated that KD is able to work with any team, anywhere. He even compared the 13-time All Star to Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes, who just won his second Super Bowl despite losing his top wide receiver over the offseason.

While Cowherd admitted that Phoenix is “not perfect”, he is confident that Durant has the ability to turn a team around in a matter of a week.

“The truly greats don’t get in the way of other people’s success,” regarding the fact that Devin Booker put up 37 points against the Hornets.

"He is Mahomes. It just doesn't matter. Coordinator, tight end, wide receiver."

— @ColinCowherd reacts to Kevin Durant's debut with the Suns pic.twitter.com/2xG49mrXVe

— Herd w/Colin Cowherd (@TheHerd) March 2, 2023

The fact that KD was able to shoot 10 of 15 for 23 points after missing 20 games in a row is an extremely promising sign for the Suns.

Durant looked comfortable, and him being on the court alone allowed Devin Booker to shine even brighter. 

Expectations are sky high at the moment, but pressure has always been Durant’s friend, and this team will be extremely fun to watch over the next couple of months.