Philadelphia 76ers swingman Danny Green understands that the City of Brotherly Love has its own unique way of expressing their adoration for local teams. That said, he isn’t a fan of it.
Sixers fans’ frosty reception towards Ben Simmons during Philly’s second-round playoff series against the Atlanta Hawks helped erode Ben Simmons’ confidence to the point where he was terrified to shoot.
This led to bad blood between Simmons and Embiid, which continues to simmer to this day.
In all likelihood, Simmons will be traded as a result.
During an interview with NBC Sports Philadelphia this week, Green acknowledged that the fervor with which Sixers fans sometimes “support” their team can be detrimental.
“For sure,” Green replied.
“It has an effect on everybody, and I think that’s something that needs to change in the city. I love our fans, but when things aren’t going well, they can’t turn on you.
“That’s the one thing that I would disagree with or dislike. Some guys use it as motivation, some guys have a chip on their shoulder, but I think that needs to change. They need to be riding with us, regardless of how things are going.
Yikes. https://t.co/rP9DViKpei
— Game 7 (@game7__) June 14, 2021
“We’re the No. 1 team in the East, still playing well, and in some games they’ll boo us,” added Green. “That’s part of the culture here, part of their way of showing they love us. But with a guy like Ben [Simmons], and other guys, I think they need to stick behind them and stick by them as long as they can, until the horn blows. And even then, he’s here. He’s given so much to the organization and the city, on and off the court, that he deserves that respect and that support.”
While Green’s general sentiment is no doubt based in reason, it’s unlikely to sway Philly fans much. More likely than not Simmons will simply be dealt to one of the many teams willing to acquire him and the fans will continue to act the way they have since the beginning of time.
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Jennifer Withers Hoey is a former Business Development Manager who transitioned to writing about sports. With valuable connections all over the West Coast, she has used those contacts to break some of the most interesting stories pertaining to the Portland Trail Blazers, Oregon Ducks, LA Lakers, LA Clippers, Seattle Supersonics (RIP), and more.
