Kevin Durant Says Responding to X Trolls Is “My Coffee in the Morning”
Kevin Durant, widely regarded as one of the most talented players in NBA history, recently opened up about why he engages with trolls on X.
Despite being a two-time NBA champion, two-time Finals MVP, league MVP, and 15-time All-Star, Durant says he still enjoys jumping into online arguments with fans and critics who try to get under his skin.
Speaking on the Netflix docuseries “Starting 5,” Durant explained that responding to trolls gives him a sort of “dopamine hit.” “That’s my coffee in the morning … people who have never picked up a basketball … never ran full speed in their life … and they tell you how to approach the game … you can’t even make your high school team … Shut yo a** up,” he said.
Durant described it as a way to entertain himself, especially during times when he’s rehabbing or not playing, adding that he likes showing trolls the reality behind the attention they seek. “A lot of people want my attention. I don’t think they truly want my attention,’ he said. “And so, I put ’em on the big screen so they can realize, they can get a little bit of a fame so they can understand it’s not always what it’s cracked up to be.”
Kevin Durant talks about responding to Twitter trolls
— Culture Crave 🍿 (@CultureCrave) October 17, 2025
“That’s my coffee in the morning … people who have never picked up a basketball … never ran full speed in their life … and they tell you how to approach the game … you can’t even make your high school team … Shut yo… pic.twitter.com/22fONrnfJn
While some may view Durant’s behavior as petty, he frames it as a harmless way to pass the time and maintain his competitive edge off the court. For him, engaging with trolls is just part of his daily routine, almost like a morning boost before starting the day.
It’s actually pretty relatable. Even the most successful people can’t resist a little social media interaction, and Durant has found a way to make it entertaining while asserting his expertise. What do you think about athletes responding to online critics? Share your thoughts in the comments.
