Ben Simmons–despite all the criticisms he has received for his lack of shooting and aggressive mentality–has been a key player for the Philadelphia 76ers over the past few years. With that said, Danny Green understands a lot of things will change should the Sixers trade him this offseason or at some point in 2021-22.
Speaking with Howard Beck of Sports Illustrated and The Crossover Pod, Green opened up what will change for him and the rest of the Sixers should Daryl Morey and Co. find a way to move the Australian playmaker. While the 34-year-old sharpshooter admitted it's hard to gauge since he doesn't know what they could get in return, he didn't hide the fact that it will have huge implications on both offense and defense.
“That's going to be tough to say man because we don't know what we're going to get back for him. We may get a point guard, we may get wings. That may change a lot: I might be playing with a different type of point guard, I might be playing with different types of wings, I might be coming off the bench. I don't know who we're going to get,” Green explained.
“And also defensively, I probably become the primary defender. Not saying it's an issue or a problem for me, but we have one less wing defender with him. Now it's me and Matisse [Thybulle]. Not saying that the other guys don't play defense, but you talk about our main defenders. That was a big part of that and a big part of our defense. … Ben, you know, was DPOY for us this year. … We thought Ben was able to guard 1 through 5 and set the tone for us. If he's gone, that changes a lot not just offensively but defensively as well for me.”
Ben Simmons finished second in Defensive Player of the Year voting for 2020-21, and as Danny Green said, he had a legitimate case to win the award with his ability to guard all positions. With that said, his absence will certainly change the dynamic of the Sixers.
What he lacks on offense, he more than makes up on defense and playmaking. Of course Simmons and his offense (or lack thereof) were exposed in the 2021 playoffs, but despite that, he fulfilled his other roles to perfection.
While there is not much progress regarding Simmons' trade, recent reports claim that the general belief is he'll be moved no matter what. Philly has reportedly been in talks with the Minnesota Timberwolves and Toronto Raptors for a deal, though the Sixers were said to be not impressed by their offers.
Green knows Simmons is crucial for the Sixers, but if it is already the end of his career in the City of Brotherly Love, the 12-year veteran definitely looks ready to the change that would come
Coming tomorrow on the Crossover, @DGreen_14: on getting married, Sixers title hopes and the future of Ben Simmons.
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— Howard Beck (@HowardBeck) August 31, 2021
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