Steve Nash, who will lead the Nets as a first-year coach this season, may have some tricks up his sleeve with regard to how he’ll maximize the talent on Brooklyn’s roster. Nash previously alluded to using Kevin Durant at all five positions in order to play optimal lineups and Durant seems onboard with the plan.
“I think Coach is going to use me in a variety of ways, especially as a small-ball 5 and 4 sometimes,” Durant said (via ESPN). “And bringing the ball up, too, so I’ve just got to be ready for anything… Coach is just going to throw me out there and see how I respond.”
Durant added that there’s not an “emphasis” on him playing center, though there’s potential for unique combinations on the court, as the Nets have an array of playmakers available. Playing Durant at the four or the five unlocks valuable lineups for Brooklyn, specifically allowing it’s talented backcourt rotation to receive more run.
Spencer Dinwiddie, Caris LeVert, and Joe Harris are each returning after suburb seasons and they’ll join a healthy Kyrie Irving, who played just 20 games in his debut season in Brooklyn, in the rotation. The Nets’ most talented lineup may involve playing three or more of the aforementioned quartet, along with Durant in a funky small-ball lineup.
“Kevin, with his length, is a matchup problem for everyone,” Nash previously said (via CBS Sports). “[Kyrie Irving’s] excellent off the ball. Kevin can play all five positions, and I plan to use him in all five positions. I get excited to use some of the guys on the roster: Caris [LeVert], [DeAndre Jordan], Jarrett Allen, Joe Harris.”
Through his first healthy training camp with Brooklyn, Durant can see the pieces coming together.
“We’ve got champions on this team,” the former MVP said. “We’ve got guys who have been in playoff runs, been in Game 7s, so it’s always important to have that much experience and knowledge within the group. We’ll see where we go from here.”
