“Ben Simmons and Joel Embbid are 1A/1B for Defensive Player of the Year”: Tobias Harris heaps praise on his Sixers

Philadelphia 76ers’ Tobias Harris claims that fellow stars Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons should be frontrunners in DPOY race. 

Tobias Harris has been incredible for the Philadelphia 76ers this season. After somewhat of a letdown last year, the player looks rejuvenated under Doc Rivers’s leadership. He is currently averaging 20.8 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 3.6 assists. The 28-year-old is doing this on an incredible 50.8% from the field, 41.3% from deep, and 89.4% from the free-throw line.

Recently Harris got on the air with JJ Reddick on the latter’s podcast, ‘The Old man and the Three’. Here, they discussed several events around the game, including the recent NCAA scandal.

More notably though, the star was asked about his thoughts on Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons this season. And after analyzing how well the two have performed, this season, the player shared some very interesting thoughts on his teammates.

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Tobias Harris hails Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons for incredible defensive performances this season 

Ben Simmons and Joel Embiid are finally starting to fulfill their potential. Speaking on what this could mean for the Philadelphia 76ers and them, this is what Tobias Harris had to say:

“I think both Ben and Joel should be considered like 1A, 1B for defensive player of the year. And I say that because I see Joel out there, defending, and I see guards go downhill, and look to kick the ball out.”

He continued, further speaking on Joel Embiid’s bid for MVP this year.

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“He (Joel Embiid) is for sure playing at an MVP level this year. And I think he is doing it in a way where… he has this work ethic, he has this desire, and he is just motivated.”

Unfortunately, Joel Embiid is currently out with a knee injury, and there isn’t a timetable on his return just yet. However, Ben Simmons has been performing really well so far, and fans will hope he can keep it up until his partner in crime returns.