While Philadelphia 76ers point guard Ben Simmons receives a lot of criticism for his lack of a jump shot, and it is a real and fair criticism, he has continued to show off an impressive defensive game. That important aspect of basketball has him squarely in the conversation for an All-Defensive Team and possibly even Defensive Player of the Year.
Simmons’ five most defended players are stars like Jimmy Butler, Jayson Tatum, Bradley Beal, Pascal Siakam, and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and they all have struggled when defended by Simmons. They have scored a combined 50 points on 19-for-59 shooting when the Sixers star is matched up against them.
Saw this on reddit/r/nba (via u/Wentzsylvania13):
Ben Simmons' 5 most defended players this season: Jimmy Butler, Jayson Tatum, Bradley Beal, Pascal Siakam, and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Those players have combined to score 50 points on 19-59 FG when guarded by Simmons. 🔥 🔒
— Andrew Porter (@And_Porter) January 10, 2020
Simmons will be facing new defensive challenges in the coming weeks as the Sixers intend to play him at the center spot in the absence of Joel Embiid. He can use his 6-foot-10 frame and his athletic ability to defend the bigger players at that position and he can build his defensive resume even more. [lawrence-related id=23208,23195,23177]