Why the Sixers needed to re-sign Danny Green: Fit with or without Ben Simmons
The Sixers are still in Ben Simmons’ purgatory when it comes to his future on the team. Jason Dumas reported this week that Simmons has “cut off” all communications with the team for the time being:
Ben Simmons has cut communications with 'basically everyone' on the Sixers.
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) August 5, 2021
He is open to joining the Warriors, per @JDumasReports pic.twitter.com/dcYlZ6u4p4
While it’s certainly not a great situation for the Sixers to be in, it’ll be rectified one way or another by the start of the regular season. Any way it ends up being sliced, Green fits the Sixers with or without Simmons.
With Simmons, he would provide critically necessary spacing/shooting. Simply put, I don’t think a Simmons-Curry-Thybulle-Harris-Embiid lineup is optimal offensively. Green’s not creating his own offense by any means, but he adds a crucial catch and shoot option for Simmons to dish it to.
If Simmons does get traded, Green could be even more dangerous in the corner with better spacing. A Lillard-Thybulle/Curry-Green-Harris-Embiid type of lineup could be great from a versatility standpoint.
It doesn’t necessarily have to be a superstar player that’s acquired either for the spacing to better, as much as Sixers fans dream of a Dame trade. Tyrese Maxey being inserted into the starting lineup at point guard could have more offensive upside for Green considering his offensive touch around the rim and an improving shot.
Green fits what the Sixers want to do regardless of the Ben situation and Daryl Morey ultimately knew that here.