Philadelphia 76ers: Why the addition of Danny Green was a great move

Al Horford’s replacement should quickly help the Philadelphia 76ers.

After months of contemplation, speculation, and rumours, Al Horford‘s contract has been disposed of. On draft day, he (along with the rights to Serbian point guard Vasilije Micic, a protected 2025 first-round pick, and the 34th pick) was traded to OKC for Danny Green and Terrance Ferguson. OKC now has 18 future first-round picks over the next six years. Was this trade worth it from the Philadelphia 76ers point of view? Did they give up too much to get rid of him?

Although his inconsistency is also an issue, the addition of him is a massive plus for the Sixers team in multiple facets. This being on the offensive, defensive and financial aspects of the spectrum.

Firstly, it is vital to remember that Philly dug themselves a massive hole by signing a 34-year-old center to a $109 million contract, just so they do not have to face him in the playoffs. His existence on the court with Joel Embiid has not gone to plan, and it is time to move on — quickly.

This trade takes a foot out of that hole, even though they gave up a future first rounder. The Sixers acquired a proficient 3-point shooter in Danny Green, who has shot above 40 percent from 3-point range five times in his career in the regular season. In the 2013 and 2014 playoffs series with the San Antonio Spurs, he made 103 long-balls in 215 attempts, and he was also a key piece in the 2013-14 championship winning team. He is equipped with the unique skill set of being a highly efficient catch and shooter on a team which was desperately in need of one since the departure of J..J Redick last summer.

Although his recent reputation was heavily tarnished from the recent finals series whereby he shot just 26.7 percent from beyond the arc against the Heat, it is important to keep in mind, that he averaged 25 minutes on the court, whereby he was also used as an important defender. One major upside to Green is his defensive ability. Over the past season six years, he has been ranked second, second, first, first, fourth and second among shooting guards in ESPN’s defensive real plus-minus.

Green is easily ably to guard three positions, he is capable of defending point guards with his quick feet and high defensive I.Q., and he is also smart and long enough to defend smaller small forwards. His natural instincts and ability to deny the pocket pass to the big man in pick-and-roll situations can also be very handy. He made the 2017 All-Defensive second team, which showcases just how much of a lethal defender he is.

Not only does Danny Green bring along numerous positives on the court, but this trade also saves the front office a lot of money in the future. Al Horford was guaranteed $81 million dollars over the next three years. On the other hand, Green is just owed $15 million dollars for one year. Therefore, this takes a massive load of the Sixers cap space, whilst also giving them enough money to buy some useful pieces to put around the starting five.

Similarly, Green is a great locker room guy who is unselfish and a brilliant leader who can use his 11 years of experience to help the young guys in the Sixers squad.