Kevin Durant’s Alleged Burner Account Sparks Controversy
A series of posts and direct messages from the Twitter account @gethigher77 has been screenshotted, circulated, and attributed to Houston Rockets star Kevin Durant. The contents of those screenshots have been compiled for public viewing, revealing a sense of humor roughly congruent with Durant’s and indicating familiarity with NBA figures in his orbit. However, the messages also besmirch Durant’s teammates, both past and present, including Russell Westbrook, Kyrie Irving, Alperen Sengun, and Jabari Smith Jr.
While the authenticity of the screenshots is uncertain, they have sparked a heated debate among fans and pundits alike. The messages from @gethigher77 seem to align with Durant’s known sense of humor and his history of using social media to engage with fans and critics. Nevertheless, without concrete evidence, it is difficult to confirm whether the account indeed belongs to Durant.
Historical Context and Previous Incidents
Durant has a history of using burner accounts, which has led to controversy in the past. In 2017, he was caught operating a burner account, accidentally tweeting from his main account and referring to himself in the third person. He later confessed to using the burner account. In 2021, the NBA fined Durant $50,000 for sending Instagram messages with homophobic slurs to actor Michael Rapaport. More recently, in 2023, Durant mentioned that he was active on the Threads platform with a burner account, saying “Come find me.”
Given his history, it is possible that Durant may be using the @gethigher77 account to express his opinions and engage with fans. However, without a direct confirmation from Durant or the Rockets organization, the authenticity of the account remains uncertain.
Investigation and Response
On Wednesday, Houston Chronicle Rockets reporter Varun Shankar asked Durant about the alleged burner tweets during a press conference. Durant deflected the question, stating that he was focused on the season and did not want to engage in “Twitter nonsense.” When asked if he had discussed the matter with his teammates, Durant replied that they were aware of the situation and were focused on the upcoming road trip.
Durant’s response has been perceived as unusual, as he did not directly deny the allegations. This has led some to speculate that the account may indeed belong to him. However, without further evidence, it is impossible to confirm the authenticity of the screenshots.
Impact on the Rockets and Durant’s Reputation
The controversy surrounding the alleged burner account has raised questions about Durant’s reputation and his relationships with his teammates. The Rockets, who started the season strong, have settled into fourth place in the Western Conference. Their postseason ambitions rely heavily on the developing chemistry between Durant and his teammate Alperen Sengun.
Despite the challenges, the Rockets remain optimistic about their chances. Durant has promised to work together with Sengun, saying “[they] are doing this together!! I promise Turkish fans.” The team’s success will depend on their ability to overcome their differences and work towards a common goal.
In conclusion, the controversy surrounding Kevin Durant’s alleged burner account has sparked a heated debate among fans and pundits. While the authenticity of the screenshots is uncertain, Durant’s history of using burner accounts and his deflection of the question during the press conference have raised questions about his reputation and relationships with his teammates. As the season progresses, it will be interesting to see how the Rockets navigate this challenge and work towards their postseason goals.
