UNC Basketball: Danny Green voices opinion on Philly fans

What did the former UNC basketball standout have to say about fans of the Philadelphia 76ers organization?

Danny Green has his fair share of experience in the NBA. The former UNC basketball standout has played for five different organizations during his 11-year professional career.

It’s safe to say that Green has seen it all. From the highs to the lows, the veteran sharpshooter understands how the league — and the fan bases — tend to work.

Green’s most recent professional venture led him to the Philadelphia 76ers organization. The 34-year-old spent one season with the franchise, and is scheduled to be a free agent this offseason. Although his future may lead him elsewhere, Green is still very much connected to the Philadelphia area. The former Tar Heel hosts a podcast called ‘Inside the Green Room,’ which airs regularly on NBC Sports Philadelphia.

Given that he’s very much invested in the Philadelphia sports media market, Green has had no issue voicing his opinion on the fans of the local sports teams, particularly the 76ers fanbase. He made a recent special guest appearance NBCSP’s John Clark Podcast. During the segment, Green mentioned how he appreciated the support of the fanbase during the season, but also criticized them in the process.

Here’s what Green had to say regarding how the fanbase could have a negative impact on the players:

"“It has an effect on everybody, and I think that’s something that needs to change in the city. 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.”"

Of course, Green is not the first player to make a statement similar to this. Fan bases around the country tend to go from cheers to boos when their favorite team does not perform at the level that is expected of them.

However, although Green wishes that Philly fans will change, it’s not very likely. Negative fan reactions have been a part of sports forever, and as long as players and teams continue to underperform at times, expect the fanbase to let them hear it.

Green does, in fact, make a valid point about how fanbases tend to turn when things get rough. However, the only thing that his comments accomplished was that he most likely irritated the 76ers fanbase to the point where they hope he doesn’t return next season.

The offseason will be interesting for Green, as he’ll look to latch on with an NBA franchise in hopes of another quest for an NBA title. Will his future be in Philadelphia?

When he returns to Philly, whether as a 76er or as an opponent, Green will probably hear it from the 76ers faithful.

Continue to follow the Keeping It Heel team for all the latest news and updates regarding Danny Green, and the UNC basketball program.