Mistake Corrected: New Thunder Coach Brooks Moves Kevin Durant to Small Foward

Most in-season coaching moves in the NBA do little more than signal to upset fans that losing is unacceptable or perhaps shift moods in the locker room. But as we argued Saturday, the change in the Oklahoma City foretells larger concerns. Analysts expected Scott Brooks to slow down the fast but ugly Thunder attack when P.J. Carlesimo and top deputy Paul Westhead were sacked. Some fans, like myself, hoped Brooks would also shift Kevin Durant to the small forward position, his more natural home despite 90-some games as a two-guard.

Wish granted, reports Darnell Mayberry of The Oklahoman.

Durant says he's ready to take on the move full time.

"I definitely am," Durant said. "That's my natural position. I've been playing that mostly my whole life. The last game I felt a lot more comfortable at (small forward), guarding (small forwards) and just helping my team out in different areas. So I'm excited."

From an individual perspective, Durant's numbers should shoot up: his field goal percentage will be much better, adding a perimeter player will eventually space the floor more for his excellent slashing skills to take shape, and you'd expect him to earn a few more rebounds on each end. For the team, it's also a smart move long-term: it's a lot easier to find an undervalued two-guard than a power forward. Of late, teams have been allergic to shooting guards in the draft, with Eric Gordon the only true two taken in the top 10 last June. In the immediately (the next two years), OKC should be able to fill the two slot with a serviceable player. Going forward, it'll be easier to nab a high-power two than it would have been to find a four.