The Philadelphia 76ers are undeniably missing Ben Simmons in all aspects of the game, but the one area where they are probably feeling his absence the most is on the defensive end.
Simmons has transformed himself into an All-NBA Defensive Player and he has locked up some of the game’s top scorers from Bradley Beal to Zach LaVine and others. On top of that, he is so active in the passing lanes and he does a terrific job of getting turnovers for the team.
Despite playing all of five minutes since the All-Star break, and missing eight of nine games overall, the Sixers star is leading the league in total steals with 115 and steals per game at 2.1. Philadelphia is really missing Simmons on the defensive end of the floor the most, especially after failing on that end against the Golden State Warriors on Saturday.
Ben Simmons has played 5 minutes since the All-Star break, he’s missed 8 of the last 9 games, and yet he’s still leading the league in total steals with 115 and steals per game at 2.1 #Sixers
— Ky Carlin (@Ky_Carlin) March 9, 2020
Simmons still has some work to do in his rehab from a nerve impingement issue in his back and he will remain out for a little while. The fact that he is still leading the league in steals despite missing so much time right now just goes to show hos dominant he has been on that end of the floor all season.[lawrence-related id=27369,27363,27354]