Danny Green Still Has Value to the Sixers
Danny Green had a… unique stat line this week vs the Orlando Magic. Green played 24 minutes, had 0 points, rebounds, assists, and blocks with a -13 plus-minus. The only stat that Green managed to put up was 1 steal which was later added via stat corrections.
This game is a microcosm of Danny Green’s season so far, he has struggled in virtually all aspects and has missed a ton of time between COVID protocols and miscellaneous injuries. To say Green has had a tough year is an understatement.
Green came out this past offseason saying that the fans need to be better in light of the Ben Simmons situation that ended last season. “It has an effect on everybody and I think that’s something that needs to change in the city. I love our fans, but when things aren’t going well, they can turn on you. That’s the one thing I would disagree with or dislike.” Combine these comments along with his poor performance and it seems like Danny Green has fallen out of favor in Philadelphia.
So what do the Sixers do with Green who signed a 2 year $20M contract this past offseason? It’s on record that he is a proven winner, and that should serve some purpose in the Sixers quest to be a contending team in the East again. He has won rings with the Spurs, Raptors, and Lakers and has been to the playoffs every year for the past 10 seasons.
At this point, Danny Green probably shouldn’t be starting. He’s shooting below his career average in most major statistics including 3 point percentage and field goal percentage. When the Sixers have needed to rely on Green he isn’t there. He was hurt in the Hawks series last year and his presence on the court has been scarce this year. While his skills as a starter seem to be diminishing, Green’s leadership and ability to get hot from 3-point range should be very helpful for the Sixers down the stretch coming off of the bench.
The fan base doesn’t have to love Danny Green, and $10M per year doesn’t look great but the notion that the Sixers should just cut ties with him is unrealistic and silly. The Sixers need veteran leadership and Green fits that role perfectly as someone who has been around the block.
Photo via Jayne Kamin-Oncea from USA TODAY Sports
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Categorized:Sixers