Toronto – It took 1,030 days, but Danny Green finally got his ring.
The Philadelphia 76ers forward, who was a key member of the Toronto Raptors’ thrilling 2019 Championship, presented his huge diamond-studded ring to former teammates Fred Vanvilit and Pascal Siakam before Thursday’s game at Scotiabank Arena.
Green was greeted with a video tribute and a warm standing, with hands in his heart in praise.
“I always called him the sticky guy for that team, which is important,” said Raptors coach Nick Nurse, embracing Green. “An experienced man who won a lot, was a great professional, was available … I don’t think he felt too much in the season, but he always wanted to go there and play, loved to play. And he had a lot of winning qualities on the team. Has arrived. “
The three-point expert did not receive his ring until Thursday due to a combination of factors.
Since his season as a rapper, when he started in 80 games and averaged 10.3 points and shot a career-best 45.5 percent from the three-point range, Green has played in three teams, traded twice and even won one more championship. 2020 Los Angeles Lakers.
Green originally received his ring when he visited the Lakers on March 24, 2020, but the league closed two weeks ago due to COVID-19.
Due to the Covid-19’s power and boundary restrictions, the Raptors were forced to relocate to Tampa, Fla. For their home game last season, and Green said in his podcast that it didn’t 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 December 28 because he was within the COVID-19 health and safety protocol. Also, he and the Raptors agreed to delay it until April 7, as Toronto is facing a crush on the Covid case, and so a limited number of fans were allowed on Scotiabank.
Looking forward to receiving it Thursday, the nurse said, “I find it more fun.”
Sixers coach Doc Reverse says Green has made a career as a role player, “but he’s a star.”
“Winning is not luck, Danny was in the right place because they needed him there,” Rivers said. “It’s one of the reasons we wanted him, and he was great for us.”
The Greens and the Sixers could make another trip to the North soon; Toronto and Philadelphia could meet in the first round of the playoffs.