Sixers: Give Danny Green his due credit

Danny Green has been the subject of many criticisms this season. He’s prone to boos in the home arena, he’s not exactly beloved in online circles, and he has felt the heat of Matisse Thybulle’s bright defensive future more than any other player on the roster.

That’s unfortunate, as the Sixers benefit from his presence almost every night. There has been nonstop chatter about Green’s age. Yes — he’s 34, and by no means a spring chicken. But just because a player is “old” doesn’t mean he’s ineffective. Green has slowed down considerably, but despite stretches where his diminishing athleticism is unmistakable, Green is essential to Philadelphia’s success.

The Sixers need Danny Green more than most fans are willing to admit

A lot of people have pushed the narrative that Green’s salary is best viewed as trade filler for the upcoming Feb. 10 trade deadline. Sure, there are plausible scenarios in which Green’s $10 million (virtually expiring) contract is useful for facilitating a deal. It is not, however, an absolute necessity. The Sixers should be in no active rush to deal Green away. He’s no liability.

On the season, Green is shooting 38.9 percent from deep on 7.5 attempts per 36 minutes. Outside of Seth Curry’s undisputed brilliance, Green is the best shooter on the team getting consistent minutes. If there’s anything we’ve learned over the years, it’s that Joel Embiid is at his best when surrounded by confident shooters. Green is one of the quickest decision-makers on the roster, which in and of itself makes him uniquely useful on offense — even if he’s not beating anyone off the dribble.

Injuries have put a dent in Green’s 2021-22 season, so it has been difficult to get a proper read on Doc Rivers’ rotational intentions. That said, for three games prior to Friday’s loss to Brooklyn, Green came off the bench in favor of Matisse Thybulle. While certain matchups justify Thybulle’s increased involvement (the Warriors game being a prime example), there is no justification for viewing Thybulle as the superior starter right now. He’s just not on Green’s level yet.

There is no way around Thybulle’s defensive brilliance. He’s one of the best pure perimeter defenders in the NBA. He’s also one of the league’s worst offensive players. That is not hyperbole. Of players who get minutes night-in and night-out, not many can contend with Thybulle’s remarkably unpolished and ineffective offensive game. Green boosts the offense with quick-trigger 3s and razor-shape instincts off the ball. Thybulle is someone defenses ignore completely.

Green is also a good defender. He’s not on Thybulle’s level — especially when it comes to containing ball handlers at the point of attack — but the narrative of Green’s defensive decline has been vastly overstated. He accrued five steals in Wednesday’s loss versus Miami. Were it not for Green’s efforts, that game never would have been close. He and Tyrese Maxey were the only two Sixers who even bothered to show up.

On Friday, Green returned to the starting five and was blessed with 39 minutes of game action and the vaunted Kevin Durant assignment. Hopefully that is a sign of things to come. Green’s starting minutes shouldn’t be in question. Not until Thybulle can pull off more games like the Golden State game, and fewer games like the Miami game, when Duncan Robinson burned him to a crisp in 14 minutes of nothing.

The fanbase should be more actively complementary of Green, who remains on the same level as last season and, despite his noticeable flaws, far more impactful than Thybulle or any Sixers reserve. It has been difficult to get the full picture on this Sixers team because of COVID and injuries, to which Green is no stranger. But he’s very clearly still a useful, starting-caliber wing. Give him credit where credit is due.