The Philadelphia 76ers forward, who was a key member of the exciting course of the 2019 Toronto Raptors Championship, was given his huge diamond ring by former teammates Fred VanVleet and Pascal Siakam ahead of Thursday’s game at the Scotiabank Arena. Green was honored with a video tribute and a warm applause, giving a hand to his heart in appreciation. “I always called him a sticker for this team, which is important,” Raptors coach Nick Ners said, wrapping Green in his arms. “A veteran who won a lot, he was a great professional, he was available … I don’t think he felt the best during the season, but he always wanted to go out and play, he liked to play. And he brought a lot of winning characteristics to club”. The three-point specialist had not received his ring until Thursday due to a flurry of factors. From his season as a Raptor, when he started in 80 games and averaged 10.3 points and scored his career-best 45.5% of the three-point range, Green played in three teams, exchanged twice and even won another championship, with the Los Angeles Lakers 2020. Green would have originally received his ring when the Lakers visited on March 24, 2020, but the tournament was closed two weeks earlier due to COVID-19. Last season the Raptors were forced to move to Tampa, Florida, for their home games due to capacity and border restrictions for COVID-19, and Green told his podcast that he did not feel right to take it anywhere other than Scotiabank Arena. Thursday was Philly’s second trip to Toronto this season, but Green missed the first on Dec. 28 because he complied with COVID-19 health and safety protocols. He and the Raptors also agreed to delay it until April 7, regardless, as Toronto was facing a COVID strike and so a limited number of fans were allowed in Scotiabank. Waiting to receive it on Thursday, the Nurse said: “It sounds more fun to me.” Sixers coach Doc Rivers said Green had a career as a role-player, “but a star in that.” “Winning is not luck, Danny was in the right place because they needed him there,” Rivers said. “He’s one of the reasons we wanted him and he was great for us too.” Green and the Sixers could make another trip north soon. Toronto and Philadelphia could meet in the first round of the playoffs.
