The Phoenix Suns’ opening night starting five for 2023-24
By Luke Duffy
Power Forward – Kevin Durant
Who else but one of the 20 best players to ever do it than Durant to slide in at the four. The front office traded away Mikal Bridges, Cam Johnson and a whole host of picks to get him from the Brooklyn Nets, and they didn’t do so to have him come off the bench.
Really the biggest question mark pertaining to Durant with this roster, is quite what position he’ll play each night. The idea of positions in general is becoming an antiquated one, but when it comes to Durant and his injury history, it is important if the Suns want to win a championship.
He certainly could spend time at the center position, and in doing so have both Watanabe and Allen join Beal and Booker on the court to kick the scoring into overdrive. But to do so what force Durant to bang some with bigger players, the kind of scenario the coaching staff likely do not have in mind for the player at this stage of his career.
Injuries may also force Durant to move up a position, but he could also slide down one and allow the Suns to play bigger against certain opponents. Again it is not something that will be seen every night, but with Durant being one of the most flexible superstars of all-time, it is a great luxury to have. Starting at the four keeps everything simple for now, so he’ll begin there.