Ranking every player on the Sixers roster — 4. Danny Green
The Sixers have never been short on talent, but the fit around the stars has been an issue for the last couple of seasons. It was only fitting that one of Daryl Morey’s first moves was to trade Al Horford for Danny Green, swapping a very good big man for a more limited 3-and-D role player. Horford may be a better player, but Green immediately fit like a glove around the Sixers’ stars.
After a rocky first 11 games in which Green averaged 7.7 points per game on 33 percent from 3, the 11-year vet rebounded to 9.8 points per game on 41 percent from 3 since. Green still does not provide much offensive creation, but he really does not need to around Embiid, Simmons, and Harris. Optimizing spacing around the stars should be the main priority for Sixers’ role players, and Green does that at a very high level.
Defensively, Green has certainly lost a step or two since his all-defense level days. Still, Green is a smart team defender who rarely fouls or gets out of position. Green still has the size and strength to bother bigger wings, something that is always in demand in the playoffs. If Green does not have to guard quick ballhandlers, his defense will be a solid plus.
Trading Horford and first for Danny Green was really to get off Horford’s salary, but Green’s addition has been key for the Sixers this season. Green’s first year with the team has been a success and the Sixers should look to resign him if the price is right. Green is almost 34 and has already begun to decline athletically, but his shooting and IQ are as strong as ever.
— Jimmy Boligitz