The 2026 NBA All-Star Weekend in Los Angeles was overshadowed by off-court controversy after leaked screenshots allegedly tied to a private “burner” account belonging to Houston Rockets superstar Kevin Durant began circulating on social media. The messages reportedly contain harsh criticism of Turkish center Alperen Şengün and other teammates, reigniting debate about Durant’s relationship with anonymous online accounts and raising questions about team trust.
Kevin Durant (7) speaks with Alperen Sengun (28) during a Houston Rockets’ game, Toyota Center in Houston, Texas, US, Oct 24, 2025. (Courtesy of Troy Taormina-Imagn Images)
The screenshots, which spread rapidly during the weekend, appear to show messages from accounts using usernames such as “@gethigher77” or “getoffmydickerson” on X (formerly Twitter). In them, Durant is alleged to have written that Şengün “can’t shoot and can’t defend,” describing it as “a much bigger issue” than his own turnovers. Other reported comments targeted teammate Jabari Smith Jr., claiming Durant said he could not trust Smith to score or defend. Additional messages reportedly referenced current and former NBA figures including Stephen Curry, Russell Westbrook, Devin Booker, and Ben Simmons.
The alleged remarks surprised many because they contradict Durant’s previous public praise of Şengün, who has become a central figure for the Rockets and earned international recognition in recent seasons. The timing—right in the middle of All-Star festivities—only amplified the backlash.
Durant has a documented history with burner accounts. In 2017, while with the Golden State Warriors, he admitted to using anonymous profiles to defend himself and respond to criticism after leaving Oklahoma City Thunder. He later explained on podcasts that he used them to express unfiltered thoughts without direct confrontation. Despite that history, the emergence of similar allegations years later has eroded much of the sympathy he once received.
Online reactions have been sharply divided. Some fans and observers questioned the authenticity of the screenshots, pointing out that many were initially shared by accounts known for NBA satire, trolling, or unverified claims. Others noted Durant’s frequent engagement on his verified account and argued the messages didn’t align with his reputation as a supportive teammate inside locker rooms.
No official statement has come from Durant, the Rockets, the NBA, or any involved parties as of February 16, 2026. Several reports emphasized that the claims remain unverified and could be fabricated or taken out of context.
The controversy adds another layer to Durant’s complicated social media legacy. While he remains one of the league’s most accomplished players—currently an All-Star in his 16th season—the repeated burner account stories continue to shift focus from his on-court excellence to off-court distractions.
For now, the basketball world waits to see whether Durant addresses the allegations directly or if the screenshots fade as another unconfirmed rumor. In the meantime, the incident has dominated discussion around the Houston Rockets star during what should have been a celebration of the NBA’s best.