Danny Green, who became part of the Philadelphia 76ers roster in 2020, chose to re-sign with the team after just one season. While many assumed his decision was influenced by the team’s goals, such as contending for an NBA title or playing alongside star Joel Embiid, Green pointed to a different factor shaping his commitment. The primary reason was how well his playing style fit with a teammate then still regarded as central to the franchise: Ben Simmons.
The Unique Chemistry Between Green and Simmons
Although Ben Simmons is not known for his scoring, his combination of defensive ability, size, and exceptional court vision helped elevate his teammates’ performance. For a player like Green, who excels as a shooter, Simmons’ creative passing was invaluable. During the 2020-21 season, Green attempted more three-point shots per game than in any previous stage of his career. He credited Simmons for consistently creating open shot opportunities, which allowed Green to become a key spot-up shooter within the team’s offense.
Green emphasized this connection, stating,
“I actually signed back because of Ben. I liked playing with Ben, I had my career high in three-point attempts playing with Ben. I was getting six a game,”
during an appearance on All The Smoke.
The Turning Point in the 2021 Playoffs
The positive dynamic between Green and Simmons began to unravel during the 2021 NBA playoffs. Green witnessed firsthand a pivotal moment that shocked the team and changed perceptions. In Game 7 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals versus the Atlanta Hawks, Simmons passed up a wide-open dunk while his team was trailing by two points with just over three minutes remaining. Instead of finishing the play himself, he passed to Matisse Thybulle, who was heavily guarded and ultimately missed the shot. This misstep contributed to Philadelphia’s elimination from the playoffs.
Reflecting on that moment, Green said,
“I think a lot of people were concerned, like, something was going on. We didn’t know what was going on,”
revealing that Simmons had also faced a COVID scare shortly before the game, leaving the team uncertain if he would even participate.
Green’s Perspective on Simmons Despite Challenges
Despite the playoff disappointment and Simmons’ struggles in recent years, Green continues to regard him as an exceptional talent. He believes that before things went awry, Simmons was a dominant player who posed serious challenges for opponents. For Green, the past synergy they shared on the court was a major reason he chose to stay with the 76ers, underscoring how much he valued Simmons’ influence on his role and performance.
Implications for the 76ers and Moving Forward
Green’s decision to re-sign, driven in large part by his productive partnership with Simmons, highlights how individual player relationships can impact team composition. The altered dynamic since Simmons’ difficulties and the 2021 playoff collapse have influenced the 76ers’ roster and strategy in subsequent seasons. As the team continues to evolve, the lessons from this period remain significant, reflecting the complex nature of chemistry and trust in professional basketball.