Danny Green takes highly unprofessional shot at 76ers fans

Philadelphia 76ers veteran Danny Green was critical of fans and the way they turned on the team and Ben Simmons during the NBA Playoffs.

Danny Green is heading for free agency and it’s not clear if he’ll come back for one more season with the 76ers. He may be burning bridges with fans on his way out if he’s not planning to return.

During an appearance on the Takeoff with John Clark podcast, Green took aim at Sixers fans and their treatment of players.

“It has an effect on everybody, and I think that’s something that needs to change in the city,” Green said. “I love our fans, but when things aren’t going well, they can’t turn on you. That’s the one thing 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.”

Danny Green thinks 76ers fans need to change

The conversation specifically turned to Ben Simmons, whose terrible postseason had Philadelphia fans frustrated and calling for him to be traded.

“We’re the No. 1 team in the East, still playing well, and in some games they’ll boo us – that’s part of the culture here, part of their way of showing they love us – but with a guy like Ben, and other guys, I think they need to stick behind them and stick by them as long as they can, until the horn blows,” Green added.

The issue was the performance of the team going against an underdog like Atlanta. In the decisive Game 7, they let Kevin Huerter blow them up on their home court. Expecting fans to take that well is asking a lot.

Green can implore fans to be kinder to players, but he’s not going to change the city of Philadelphia. They have a long and storied history of approaching their professional teams in the most ruthless ways.

In order to play in Philadelphia, you have to have thick skin. If Simmons doesn’t have that, he’s best off leaving.

At least Green went out of his way to express his love for the fans despite the negative aspects. Still, he could have tiptoed around a few of his criticisms.