Sixers’ Ben Simmons Voted Among Top NBA Defenders by Coaches

One of the things Ben Simmons back in training camp was that he wanted go after the Defensive Player of the Year award this season.

"I want to be the best defensive player on the team and I hope everyone I'm playing with hears that, and want the same thing," said Simmons back in October.

One of the things that sets him apart of this 6-10 frame, and the speed and strength he has to be able to stay with and defend any type of player the league has to offer.

He has been a defensive ace through his first two years in the league, but this year he has taken his defensive talents to another league.

The Athletic anonymously polled 33 coaches NBA coaches, asking who the league’s best defenders were for the 2019-2020 season.

While he wasn't viewed as the league top defender just yet, the NBA coaches did vote Simmons on to the All-Defensive First Team, edging out the Clippers defensive-whiz, Patrick Beverly.

“Versatility, length — he can guard all five positions,” said one coach who listed Simmons on his All-Defensive First Team ballot. “In this day and age of positionless basketball, you want that kind of defender on the floor.”

Per the NBA coaches: "Simmons’ height, long arms and quickness that make him a force for that huge Sixers team."

Other Sixers who received mention for their defense were guards Josh Richardson and Matisse Thybulle, forward Al Horford and center Joel Embiid.