Philadelphia 76ers: Ben Simmons’ defense gives Sixers definite advantage

Ben Simmons is the key to the success of the Philadelphia 76ers on the defensive end of the floor.

Philadelphia 76ers star Ben Simmons possesses all the attributes needed to be one of the best (if not already the best) defensive players in the NBA. He is capable of guarding any position, usually guards the opposing team’s best player, uses his length, moves his feet well but most importantly he exudes the confidence to go heads up with the top offensive players the league has to offer all while putting up efficient numbers on the offensive end.

Simmons will play a key role and be a critical component to the 76ers’ success with the playoffs approaching. It was evident how the 76ers sorely missed him last season as he was absent in the postseason due to injury as the 76ers were swept in the first round.

Ben Simmons’ is a special defender that fuels the Philadelphia 76ers

Just Simmons’ presence on the defensive end should yield different results as Simmons is adept at pressuring the ball, creating turnovers, and limiting a playmaker’s option to create. His versatility should come into play as he is capable of keeping up with smaller, quicker guards who can handle the ball while also being able to handle bigger players who can score in the paint while imposing their size and strength.

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Simmons can also force opponents into taking bad shots as he plays through the shot clock and can pressure the ball without committing fouls as shooters find it difficult to shoot over his towering frame on contested shots. Simmons covers so much ground with his length and size that it’s difficult to score against him.

He has great anticipation while cutting off passing lanes leading to opportunities in transition while using his elite speed and athleticism with quick hands. If Simmons does happen to get beat off the dribble which rarely happens, he has shown that he is one of the best players at recovering with the play usually ending in a blocked shot or strip.

Simmons, at 6-foot-11 and 240 pounds has great mobility and quickness for a man of his stature with elite body control as he also prides himself on accepting the responsibility of drawing the assignment of guarding the top player on each team the 76ers face.

These facts prove that Simmons is the best overall defensive player in the NBA as he is currently one of the front runners for the Defensive Player of the Year award; an accolade he was deserving of last season. By Simmons constantly harassing other teams’ top scoring threats, it allows Joel Embiid and Tobias Harris to not have to worry about carrying the burden of wearing themselves down on the defensive end as they can play help defense instead and focus on scoring.

This should help the 76ers out immensely, especially in the later rounds of the playoffs as they are expected to meet up against one of the top tier teams in the East in either the Brooklyn Nets or the Milwaukee Bucks.

So many intriguing matchups will take place making any of those playoff series must-watch television. How exciting would it be to watch Simmons clash against Giannis Antetoukounmpo? What does Simmons have in his arsenal to slow him down? Better yet, if the 76ers play the Nets, which one of their superstars would Simmons guard?

Either one of the Nets’ big 3 is capable of exploding offensively on any given night. It would be entertaining to watch Simmons try and slow down James Harden’s playmaking, try to limit Kevin Durant’s offensive arsenal, and face off with Kyrie Irving in isolation.

Either way, the 76ers will depend on Simmons to be at his very best if they are to advance to the NBA Finals in pursuit of a championship.