Author: Shreyas Sharma
In a whirlwind of NBA offseason activity, two notable players have found new homes for the coming season. Veteran point guard Danny Green re-signed with the Philadelphia 76ers, while talented forward Christian Wood joined the Los Angeles Lakers. Let’s delve into the details of these interesting events.
Danny Green’s return to the Sixers
The Philadelphia 76ers, despite a challenging off-season, continue to make moves to strengthen their roster. One of these actions involves the return of Danny Green, an experienced winger, who has signed a one-year contract with the team. Green had already played for the Sixers during the 2020/21 and 2021/22 seasons, starting in 97 of the 131 games.
Although Green, now 36, will have to come off the bench, his championship record and defensive ability make him a valuable addition. Green has NBA titles with the San Antonio Spurs, the Toronto Raptors and the Los Angeles Lakers. He will be reunited with coach Nick Nurse, with whom he won the 2018/19 season as a member of the Raptors. In addition, Green is known for promoting a positive atmosphere in the locker room, which could be of great value to the 76ers.
Despite his vast experience in the NBA, Green’s new contract with the Sixers represents the bare minimum for a veteran player. This decision comes at a time when Green’s career earnings have surpassed the impressive figure of US$104 million. His role in the team will extend beyond the court, as he aims to be a bridge between coach Nurse and the rest of the squad, especially amid growing trade rumors involving star Joel Embiid.
Green’s journey was not without its setbacks. He suffered a serious knee injury during the 2021/22 playoffs, which led to him being traded to the Memphis Grizzlies. Unfortunately, his injury prevented him from playing consistently, and he was subsequently waived by the Houston Rockets.
Despite offers from other teams, Green opted to return to the Sixers, citing the uncertainty of playing time and playoff potential as key factors in his decision. With more than 800 games in the NBA, Green’s career averages of 8.7 points, 3.4 rebounds and a three-point shooting rate of 40% in approximately 25 minutes per game make him a valuable asset to any team.
Christian Wood joins the Lakers
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In yet another significant move, the Los Angeles Lakers have secured Christian Wood as their newest reinforcement. The 27-year-old forward arrives in California, signing a veteran’s minimum contract with an option for one more year, valued at US$2.7 million next season and potentially US$3 million in 2024/25.
Wood’s move to the Lakers comes after a season in which he averaged 16.6 points and 7.3 rebounds in just under 26 minutes per game. Despite his attacking prowess, his market value had fallen, partly due to criticism of his defensive abilities and the perception that he was a “star” player.
With his switch to the Lakers, Wood intends to recover his value on the market. His versatility and scoring ability will be crucial assets as he adapts to coach Darvin Ham’s system. Wood’s arrival marks the Lakers’ seventh reinforcement for next season, joining other signings such as Gabe Vincent and Taurean Prince.
Christian Wood’s journey in the NBA has taken him to several teams, with significant growth in his game, especially during his time with the Houston Rockets. Now he’s embarking on a new chapter with the Lakers, eager to make an impact on the famous franchise.