When the Sixers swapped Al Horford for Danny Green on draft night 2020, there were more positives than getting off Horford's massive contract. Not only was Green a much better fit alongside the Sixers' All-Stars, but he also provided a much-needed veteran presence.

Despite not being a star in the NBA, Green has stacked up an impressive resume. He has been a part of three different championship teams and played alongside some of the best talents the game has to offer.

Having good veteran leaders is extremely important when building around two young stars. Green is a player who understands what it takes to win it all, making him a great vet to have in the locker room as the Sixers look to take a step closer to contention.

While Green's focus is on helping the Sixers win now, there are also long-term benefits to having a player like him around. He has embraced being a mentor at this stage in his career and taken some of the younger players under his wing. Most notably, Matisse Thybulle, someone Green has mentioned reminds him a lot of himself.

Another player who has a lot to learn from Green is Isaiah Joe. With his size and skill set, he has all the makings to become a very similar type of player in his career. The former second-round pick has caught fire in the preseason, and the Sixers' veteran wing has taken notice. Following practice on Sunday, Green said Joe is another player he sees some of himself in.

“For sure, definitely. He is someone who has come along a lot. He has a lot of potential. I like what he brings to the table. Once his body develops a little bit more, he is going to be a good player in this league,” said Green.

From a mentorship standpoint, Joe hit the jackpot being drafted by the Sixers. Green is someone he can learn a ton from and model his game after. They might not have identical skillsets, but Joe has all the attributes to become a reliable three-and-D wing like Green.

In his short time in the NBA, Joe has shown great flashes for a player taken in the middle of the second round. If he can continue to develop his game and add weight, there is a good chance Joe becomes an everyday rotation player.

Already in year two, he is building his case for a bigger role. Through the Sixers' two preseason games, Joe is arguably the biggest standout. He continues to show good fundamentals on defense while shooting the lights out from deep on offense.

Whether he lands more playing time this season or not, Joe has a lot to gain from spending a lot of time with Green this season.

Reasons like this are why the Sixers needed to retain Danny Green in free agency this past summer. His impact on the team will long outlive his playing days in Philly. There is a strong chance that players are still talking about what Green did for their development behind the scenes for years to come.