“Got to Do a Lot More”: Danny Green Comments on the Efforts Needed by 76ers to Fill the Ben Simmons Void

After a tricky off-season, the Philadelphia 76ers will look to restore parity in the 2021-22 edition of the league. With a fortnight left for the regular season to commence, it is vital for the side to bridge the gaps left in the squad. A key element missing from last season, will be the young Ben Simmons. After four outings with the Sixers, things have come to a heated ending.

25-year-old Simmons considered Philadelphia his one and only home for a long time. After all, it was the place that kick-started his career in the league. However, 2021 proved to be the chink in his armor, as a failed season cost him his position in the side. He had some disheartening outings in the playoffs, due to which he found himself warming the bench often. Added to this, distorted relations with senior player Joel Embiid as well as with coach Doc Rivers meant that the curtains were about to be drawn on Simmons’ time at ‘Philly’. And the experienced Danny Green, who starts his second season with the franchise soon, feels that there is a huge void to fill.

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Green doubles down on Ben Simmons’ absence for the 76ers

On Monday night, the 76ers went down 107-123 to the Toronto Raptors in a high-scoring encounter. Although the big stars like Embiid and Harris were missing, it was a key insight into the effort that Rivers’ setup still needs to put in. In spite of a poor campaign last year, Philadelphia’s No.25 Simmons still averages 15.9 points, 7.7 assists and 8.1 rebounds all-in-all. Thus, his absence will take a massive toll on the rest of the players. And key forward Danny Green recognizes that.

“I think we’ve all thought about it [Simmons not playing],” stated the 34-year-old in a recent interview. “Everyone’s assignments have changed, not just mine offensively and defensively. You got to do a lot more because you know how much he can create for us offensively and has created for us. A defensive player of the year candidate, take that out of the equation and it’s a lot more heavier assignments for everybody else.”

Can the 76ers perform to their fullest without Ben Simmons? One thing is for certain; Simmons’ work rate and efforts on the pitch were second to none. His absence on the court will mean that a monumental switch-up of roles will be of pivotal importance to the Sixers. Will Embiid and co. overcome the technicalities to come out of it for the better?