In his first move as the Sixers’ President of Basketball Operations, Daryl Morey made waves in Philadelphia by jettisoning Al Horford from Philly.
In a move that shocked many, Horford found himself traded to the Oklahoma City Thunder of all teams.
The move is could be considered by many to be a salary dump but that might not be the case. Yes, they traded away a big salary and picks for an expiring deal but it’s not just any expiring deal.
The Sixers’ Additions
Daryl Morey managed to bring back Danny Green in the trade. The same Danny Green who has been a member of the past two NBA champions.
Green also won a championship with Tim Duncan and Kawhi Leonard in San Antonio.
It doesn’t stop there though. In addition to Green, the Sixers also acquired Terrance Ferguson. A bouncy two-way wing, Ferguson is a quality addition to this deal and far from a toss in.
But who exactly are these new players? Are they good? What do they bring to the Sixers?
Danny Green
As previously mentioned, Green is a three-time NBA Champion. His pedigree is pristine and he has plenty to offer the Sixers both on the court and in the locker room.
Entering his 12th season, the level of experience and professionalism Green will bring cannot be overstated. Playing under coaches like Greg Popovich and Nick Nurse, with players like LeBron James and Tim Duncan.
He will add as much behind the scenes if not more so than his on-court production.
Green’s calling card, even more so than his quality defense, is his shot make. As a three-point shooter, Danny Green boasts an incredible three-point percentage at 40%.
While many remember the famous shot he missed in the Finals this year, it’s a mere hiccup in an otherwise stellar career.
A near 37% three-point shooter in catch-and-shoot situations last season, Danny Green will fit like a glove next to Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons. He will bean obvious starter next to Simmons, Embiid, and Harris.
The Sixers struck gold in Danny Green. He’s far from a superstar, but he’s exactly the type of player the Sixers needed.
Terrance Ferguson
Terrance Ferguson meanwhile is a name many fans may not know. The uber-athletic 22-year-old was drafted in 2017 with the 21st overall pick.
He’s yet to show anything truly special but he’s proven to be a quality role player and still has loads of potential.
His ability to run in transition matches beautifully with Ben Simmons and he’s shown potential for a solid three-point shot down the line.
Playing with someone like Ben Simmons could unlock that potential inside of Ferguson. The Sixers will have time to develop him and a great head coach to help guide him along.
He will be a bit buried on the depth chart especially after some of the other draft day additions, but his long term-potential is a risk worth taking.
The Sixers have formed a roster to suit both Ben Simmons and Joel Embiid in an instant. Green and Ferguson were the first dominoes to fall and the team only got better from there.
The upcoming season will be a far cry from last year’s disappointment. The Philadelphia 76ers are back and it’s all thanks to Daryl Morey.
Photo by Ringo Chiu/Zuma Press/Icon Sportswire
