"That Could Mask All the Problems" - Kevin Durant Highlights Glaring Issue About Commanders’ Approach with Jayden Daniels

Kevin Durant may be suiting up for his fifth NBA team this season with the Houston Rockets, but when it comes to football, his loyalty still lies with his hometown Washington Commanders.

In a conversation with Ryan Clark during Tuesday’s episode of “The Pivot” podcast, Durant opened up about his thoughts on the Commanders, particularly regarding sophomore quarterback Jayden Daniels, who’s currently sidelined with a hamstring injury.

Clark shared that he believes Washington has overinvested in its quarterback without putting enough around him on defense, leading to poor team balance, a take Durant agreed with.

“That can mask all the problems,” Durant said (57:27 mark).

When asked about what the late Sean Taylor meant to the franchise, Kevin Durant said Taylor embodied what Washington has long been searching for, and that he sees flashes of that same spark in Daniels, though he’s concerned the team isn’t building the right foundation around him.

“You hate to see potential get cut short,” Durant said. “And that’s what JD’s giving us.”

Commanders head coach Dan Quinn said Daniels, who missed Week 8 with his injury, had a productive rehab session and is expected to return to practice this week.

The Commanders sit at 3-5, currently third in the NFC East.

Kevin Durant discusses his NBA legacy

Since joining the Golden State Warriors in 2017, public perception of Durant has shifted dramatically. His move to an already-stacked team featuring Steph Curry, Klay Thompson and Draymond Green led to two championships, but also heavy scrutiny from fans and analysts alike.

Since then, Durant has bounced from the Brooklyn Nets to the Phoenix Suns, and now to the Rockets, a pattern many have labeled as “superteam-hopping.”

Speaking recently about his legacy, the 37-year-old forward said his body of work and longevity should define his career more than the criticism over where he’s played.

“When I’m done playing, people will respect the amount of years I put in, and the actual accomplishments,” Durant said.

“When you look at the big picture, I don’t care how many championships I won or didn’t win. When you play professional sports, people are going to respect that. For the most part, a human being respects that journey and that longevity.”

Now entering his 18th season, Kevin Durant is chasing his third NBA championship in his first year with the Rockets, who have started the season 1-2.