Philadelphia 76ers: 3 potential replacements for Danny Green

The Philadelphia 76ers won Game 3 in Atlanta against the Hawks in convincing fashion. However, it didn’t come without a price. The Sixers lost Danny Green in the first quarter due to a calf strain and will miss two-three weeks, according to Shams Charania of The Athletic. If their starting small forward is unable to play Game 4, the 76ers need to have a backup plan.

Philly’s coach Doc Rivers has three quality options Rivers can turn to now that Green will miss time.

3 potential replacements for Green: Tyrese Maxey

Considering that George Hill and Shake Milton seem comfortable coming off the bench this season for the Sixers, they probably shouldn’t start in Green’s place. However, if the 76ers want to start with multiple playmakers on the court in Game 4, then Tyrese Maxey should be their guy.

This isn’t the first time I’ve written that Maxey should be starting in the playoffs, in fact, I’ve done so multiple times. Maxey has the highest potential of Philly’s young core. He can create his own shot and has proven that he can play alongside Ben Simmons which should be a positive for now and in the future.

During the regular season, Maxey averaged 18.6 points and 3.9 assists, while converting 33.3 percent of his 3-pointers in eight games as a starter. Granted his points average was helped by a 39-point game against the Denver Nuggets, but he can create his own offense better than almost anyone else on this roster.

The downside is that he’s struggled on defense during the postseason. Against these Hawks, the Sixers can’t afford to have two defensive liabilities on defense in Maxey and Seth Curry to start a tough Game 4 matchup.