While Danny Green was watching the NBA Playoffs months after getting cut by the Philadelphia 76ers, he saw his former team taking on the New York Knicks in the 2024 NBA Playoffs.
At the time, the Paul George-less 76ers went down in six games. The 76ers missed the playoffs in the following year, but now they are back in the tournament.
On Monday, May 4, the Sixers and the Knicks are meeting for Game 1 of the second round. The 76ers got there by upsetting the Boston Celtics in seven games.
These days, Green is retired with an analyst cap on. He finished his career after two stints with the 76ers, which came after his third and last championship-winning season with the Los Angeles Lakers.
As he continues to pay close attention to the Sixers, he recently pointed to the team’s No. 1 factor in order to get by the Knicks: Joel Embiid’s health.
Danny Green Breaks Down The Sixers’ Key To Success
GettyBOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS – APRIL 28: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers reacts against Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics during the first quarter in Game Five of the First Round of the NBA Eastern Conference Playoff at TD Garden on April 28, 2026 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
“This is a tough one and it all depends on how healthy Joel is,” Green said on The Pat McAfee Show on Monday afternoon.
“He was pretty banged up in the series in Boston, and got even more banged up toward the end of that series. You know, he took a shot to the knee, ankle, like people landed on him. Obviously, he’s kind of on the floor a lot, so that doesn’t help.”
Tyrese Maxey has been playing at a high level and VJ Edgecombe has been hooping” ~ @DGreen_14 #PMSLive
The veteran forward went on to praise Embiid’s supporting cast.
“Tyrese Maxey, he’s been playing at a high level. Paul George, another guy that’s kind of reemerged himself, and looks like a younger PG. So those guys have been playing well, VJ Edgecomb has been hooping some, but it’s really going to rely on how healthy Joel is matching up with Karl-Anthony Towns and Mitch Robinson. Like, those two guys have really dictated a series because of how they control the boards and rebounds. And then, you know, it’s going to be a challenge for their wings,” Green added.
As usual, Embiid isn’t navigating through the playoffs with 100% health. When he debuted in the Boston Celtics series last week, the star center was just 17 days removed from surgery due to appendicitis.
He played in four games for Philly against the Celtics. The star center produced 28.0 points, 9.0 rebounds, and 7.0 assists. He was a major helping hand in leading the Sixers back from a 1-3 deficit in the series.
They beat the No. 2 team in the East. How could they not have a shot against No. 3?
“If Joel is healthy, they have a pretty good shot,” Green stated. “They went to six games two years ago. It was the same kind of group. It shows how powerful Joel and Tyrese Maxey are as a duo.”
Game 1 takes place at Madison Square Garden on Monday. They will tip at 8 PM ET.