Kevin Durant returned to the Phoenix lineup this week after missing seven games with a calf strain, and his shot looks so smooth that one might suspect the Warriors will use it on Saturday when they play for the first time this season against the Suns, will be helpless to defend him.

At 6-foot-3, Durant towers over everyone in Golden State’s rotation. He has the skills of an elite guard, is a natural mid-range shooter, and his excellent range means he’s shooting 44.1 percent from distance this season.

The Warriors’ defensive options are limited. They are Draymond Green, Kyle Anderson, Jonathan Kuminga and Gary Payton II – and the latter two are listed as likely. Kuminga is suffering from an ongoing illness and GP2 is struggling with right adductor muscle strain.

Normally, Andrew Wiggins would be the fifth option, but he is listed as questionable (right ankle impingement). Even if he is cleared, he will likely be assigned to Suns shooting guard Devin Booker.

Green won’t be the only defender Durant sees, but no one offers Golden State the best chance at containment. Draymond is a superior defender who guards all five positions effectively.

Additionally, Green is the only Warrior with significant training time against Durant. They were teammates at Golden State for three seasons. KD is one of the purest goal scorers of all time. Most coaches want to annoy him to the point of frustration. Green, who is giving up five inches of height, is aware of this and will employ this strategy.

GP2 would follow a similar plan by foregoing nine inches of height. Become a relentless pest. Then-Los Angeles Clippers coach Doc Rivers resorted to this plan when he gave the 6-foot-3 Patrick Beverley a few appearances against Durrant in the 2019 playoffs against Golden State.

Kuminga gives up four inches to KD, but offers athleticism that could pose a challenge. The problem is that the 36-year-old Durant is desperate to teach the youngster a few lessons.

Anderson, who is 6 feet 3 inches tall, has a wingspan of five inches, which is shorter than Durant’s 7 feet 1 inches. He can’t match KD’s athleticism, but he’s smart enough to reach into his tactical bag to make things as difficult as possible.

Durant was a first-ballot Hall of Fame member five years ago. With his combination of length and offensive skills, he may be the strongest coverage player in the NBA.

Even if the Warriors rely on a procession of defenders against Durant, they still need some luck.

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