Nothin' But Nets
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Kevin Durant’s latest position update is wild and confusing

ByAdam Weinrib|
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - DECEMBER 08: Kevin Durant #7 of the Brooklyn Nets looks on during the game against the Denver Nuggets at Barclays Center on December 08, 2019 in New York City. Brooklyn Nets defeated the Denver Nuggets 105-102. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - DECEMBER 08: Kevin Durant #7 of the Brooklyn Nets looks on during the game against the Denver Nuggets at Barclays Center on December 08, 2019 in New York City. Brooklyn Nets defeated the Denver Nuggets 105-102. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images)

Kevin Durant playing the 5 for the Nets? We simply must ask why.

Newly-minted Nets star Kevin Durant has always been such an on-court marvel because he brought center length to the forward position, measuring out at 7-feet while hanging out on the wing.

He can get a shot up over anyone with deadly accuracy. He’s spectacular. You ought to see it.

So when Durant informed Malika Andrews on Wednesday that, coming off a catastrophic Achilles injury, he planned on spending time at both the four and five this season and migrating to the post, we were more than a bit confused.

Now? We’re doing this now?

Regardless of the impetus of this idea, we’re not sure we’re on board.

Is the thought to remove as many shifty guards as possible from KD’s defensive ledger while he builds up his strength in recovery? That would be concerning. We’d like to believe the full Durant experience is coming in 2020-21, and this would cast immediate doubt on his long-term viability.

Or is Steve Nash just trying to get too clever for his own good here? Durant has the length to guard the center position, sure, but won’t he get outmuscled by…well, just about everyone?

Unless the opposing five is Draymond Green, this isn’t going to be the most seamless plan of action. And plus, Durant with his back to the basket just isn’t the real Kevin Durant.

DeAndre Jordan is a picture-perfect center for this Nets team, which is stocked with creative guards and scoring options like Durant on the wing. There’s no need for the coaching staff to outsmart themselves by messing with Durant’s placement.

Unless he medically requires it. Then we’ve got an entirely different problem.

When the curtain goes up on Opening Night, we hope Durant is utilized in a way that maximizes his effectiveness, and we hope that effectiveness looks a lot like what we were used to prior to his catastrophic injury.