Former 76ers wing is a hint to the missing puzzle for Philly this season

The Philadelphia 76ers are operating under a pretty bold champion-or-bust mandate this season — a primary motif of the team’s general direction for the next three to four years. Lording over most teams with their overwhelming star power and overall talent, it would be a disingenuous to give them any more leeway to end another campaign in disappointing fashion.

Having said that, there’s a reason as to why they are not penciled in as the title favorites despite their clear talent advantage over most clubs. The defending champions are still intact, and parity is at an all-time high in the NBA. Nothing is guaranteed even for the most stacked teams on paper, moreso for a team still in want of an identity with its new reinforcements.

But to solve the championship puzzle, the team has to be as close to perfection as possible, especially construction-wise. What’s missing from the equation is perhaps the kind of player they once had not too long ago.

The 76ers need a Danny Green type to complete the championship formula

Danny Green, a three-time NBA champion, just announced his retirement. The 15-year veteran, who spent two seasons (and a cameo appearance last season) with the 76ers, laced it up bearing three titles to his name with the Spurs, Raptors, and Lakers.

Green, one of the most consistent role players in the league during the 2010s, was a highly valued three-and-D cog for multiple title-clinchers. The 76ers enjoyed his services as a high-caliber role player, and before he got injured, he pretty much functioned as the team’s most reliable spot-up shooter and perimeter defender.

Looking at Philadelphia’s deck, the team could really use someone of the same ilk. Despite their clear talent addition of Paul George and in some way, Caleb Martin, the 76ers need a defined three-and-D role player who can hit shots in pressure-packed situations while taking on the tough job of defending the high-octane perimeter operators in the league.

Unfortunately, the 76ers face a bit of uncertainty at shooting guard. Eric Gordon, while more offensively skilled than Green, lacks his defensive malleability and overall consistency. Ricky Council IV is defensively adept, but is not as disciplined on that end nor nearly as good of a spot-up option as Green. Ditto for Jared McCain, who is too raw to be counted on for a consistent tole at this juncture.

As the Philadelphia 76ers send Danny Green off to retirement after a very fruitful career as a reliable role player, they could only wish to find a direct replacement for him in order to make the roster more formidable on both ends.