Ben Simmons relishes his ability to play physical defense, speaks about his DPOY candidature: “It’s the NBA, no boys allowed

Ben Simmons is one of the best defensive players in the league, and he loves challenging the best player in the opposite team irrespective of position.

The fact he gets physical from the start of the game, helps him not getting called for fouls late in the game. When asked about defending in an era where the rules don’t really allow a defender to be physical, Simmons said:

“I try to be physical from the jump, just so they know when we get to the fourth quarter, they can’t call that stuff. It’s the NBA. No boys allowed. It feels like it definitely should be more physical. I mean it takes away from guys who could really guard players.”

Also Read: “Move over LeBron James, James Harden is the MVP”: Skip Bayless takes a dig at Lakers star once again as he sings Brooklyn guard’s praises

Doc Rivers praises Ben Simmons for his defensive nous

Ben Simmons has proved his defensive worth in the past. He was named to the All-Defensive First Team last year. He also led the whole league in steals (2.1 per game) last year. It goes without saying that Simmons would be the defender guarding the red hot player of the opposition.

Many analysts as well as Philadelphia coach Doc Rivers have names the 2-time All-Star as the front-runner for the Defensive Player of the Year. Rivers has also mentioned the defensive advantage of having Simmons on the team. Doc Rivers lauded Ben:

“It’s interesting, going into the playoffs is about matchups, a lot. Well, we can pick our matchup at least, you know? And that’s nice to have where your best player, usually your best defensive player, can guard that position and you hope their best player is at that position. With Ben, we can say, ‘Well, we’re going to put you in that position.’ We don’t care.”

Also Read: ‘Michael Jordan will compete against you for drinking water’: Hollywood star Will Smith opens up about the Bulls legend’s competitiveness

The duo of Simmons and Embiid has been deadly this season. The team is currently in the first spot of the Eastern Conference with a 28-13 record. With the way things are going for Ben Simmons and the Sixers, they have the potential to clinch the best record in the Eastern Conference at the end of the season.